Bladder Cancer
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Bladder cancer is defined as a form of cancer that initiates in the cells of the bladder, which is an organ that holds urine within its cavity. It is also most prevalent in the urothelium, which is the innermost layer of the bladder. Most bladder lesions are rated as urothelial carcinomas, which are otherwise known as transitional cell carcinomas.
Symptoms
Blood and urine include urine in the term because of its presence (hematuria): This is the most commonly encountered and could turn out in the urine color pink, red, or even the color of coke.
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Increased Urgency
They may also begin to have the feeling of needing to urinate much more than they are accustomed to.
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Dysuria
This can happen in the case of painful urination or a feeling of urgency, which is a discomfort coupled with a burning sensation while urinating.
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Pain In The Back
The pain may further spread to the lower back or pelvic zones.
Risk Factors
Cigarette Smoking Tobacco smoking is the most common and foremost risk factor for bladder cancer.
Exposure to chemicals
Certain industrial chemicals, such as those used in dye manufacturing, increase the risk.
Increased risk due to age and gender
It is generally observed that the whole bladder cancer patients are older people while most new cases are male.
Chronic bladder inflammatio
The risk may be increased due to recurrent urinary infections or prolonged use of urinary catheters.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of bladder cancer is carried out through a variety of techniques, including bladder cancer urine tests, commonly known as blood-in-urine tests.
A bladder cancer diagnosis is usually preceded by dull examination tests. Urine tests are done to check for blood or any disfigurements or abnormalities in the body fluids that are being excreted.
An abnormal growth of bladder cells is confirmed during cystoscopy: “a procedure where a hollow tube connected to a camera is passed through the urethra to visualize the bladder and its contents
It may also involve Imaging tests: CT scan or MRI of the bladder and associated structures.
Diagnosis of bladder cancer also involves radiologic examination such as CT scan and MRI, but more confident and reliable confirmation is done when a small piece of tissue is acquired from a person undergoing a procedure known as cystoscopy and then subjected to thorough pathological inspection.
Treatment
The treatment methods that are available to a patient depend on the grade of cancer
Surgery
This could be in the form of a localized tumor excision or up to a radical cystectomy where the bladder is obliterated.
Intravesical therapy
This is a general procedure where tablets and other forms of medication are injected into the bladder for treatment.
Chemotherapy
It involves the employment of anti-cancerous agents that are systemic or localized as a bladder medication through region-specific usage.
Radiation therapy
This involves the application of high energy rays to a site of malignancy for targeting the cancerous cellsT
Immunotherapy
It entails enhancement the defenses of the body in order to combat the cancer.
Prevention
As preventive measures they consider active prevention of smoking and also misdiagnosis or over-exposure to harmful agents, and substantial amounts of fluid intake for comfortable bladder wash. Regular follow-ups are critical and more so where risk factors exist.