Bladder Cancer

Bladder Cancer Treatment & Diagnostics in Chembur, Mumbai

Bladder Cancer

The bladder is a muscular, hollow organ that is located in your lower abdomen. The function of a bladder is to store urine. Bladder cancer is a common type of cancer that begins in the cells of your bladder.

What is bladder cancer? What causes it?

Bladder cancer starts developing due to abnormal cell growth. These cells often begin at the lining of the bladder. 

Most bladder cancers can be diagnosed at an early stage and hence, are treated earlier. But these cancers can often return in the future. Hence, patients might need follow-up sessions after the treatment. For further information, you should contact bladder cancer specialists near you.

What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer signs and symptoms may include:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria), which may cause urine to appear bright red or cola-coloured, though sometimes the urine appears normal and blood is detected on a lab test
• Frequent urination
• Painful urination
• Urgent urination
• Pain in abdomen
• Urinary incontinence, losing control of the bladder
• Back pain

When do you need to see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you see any of the symptoms mentioned above. If they persist and make you uneasy or worried, it is better to get it checked. You should look for bladder cancer doctors near you for a screening. 

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What are the risk factors?

1. Smoking: Smoking cigarettes, pipes or cigars increases your chance of getting bladder cancer. This happens as several chemicals get accumulated in your body while smoking. Some of these chemicals then are removed from the body via urine. Hence, these chemicals can harm the inner lining of the bladder and cause bladder cancer.
2. Age: Another big risk factor for bladder cancer can be age. People above 55 have a higher chance of getting bladder cancer.
3. Being male: Men are more likely to get bladder cancer than women.
4. Exposure to chemicals: Since kidneys filter all the waste in our body, dozens of chemicals get accumulated in them. Exposure to these chemicals is extremely harmful. 
5. Previous cancer treatment: Certain drugs that are used to treat cancer can also cause bladder cancer as a side effect.
6. Chronic Bladder Inflammation: If you have chronic or repeated urinary infections, you have a higher chance of getting bladder cancer. 
7. Family or personal history of bladder cancer: If you have had bladder cancer, there’s a higher chance that you might experience it again. If anyone in your family has had bladder cancer, then there is also a chance that you might get bladder cancer.

How is bladder cancer prevented?

1. Don’t Smoke: If you are a smoker, talk to support groups, ask your doctor and quit smoking.
2. Be cautious around chemicals: If you work around chemicals or are exposed to them, take all the precautions advised by doctors. Wear protective gear and do not expose yourself for longer than you have to.
3. Have a healthy diet: Choose a diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants present in fresh fruits and vegetables help reduce the risk of cancer.

How is bladder cancer treated?

There are several different treatments for bladder cancer, but the minimally invasive method is becoming more and more common:

Laparoscopic cystectomy or partial cystectomy: This procedure is a minimally invasive method for bladder cancer. The most standard procedure in bladder cancer surgery is to remove the bladder from the body. In men, the prostate is also removed along with the bladder. In women, the urethra, fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries and anterior vaginal wall have to be removed along with the bladder. In some cases, the tumor can be removed, without removing the bladder completely and hence preserving the bladder function. You can search for a bladder cancer hospital near you for more information about the surgery.

Conclusion

Bladder cancer is a rare disease. It is diagnosed in less than 1 million people per year around the world. If detected in the earlier stages, it is easily treatable. If you sense any problem while urinating, like blood in urine, discoloration or any back or abdominal pain, you should consult your doctor immediately. Contact bladder cancer doctors near you if you experience any symptoms.

References

Treatment of Bladder Cancer, by Stage

Bladder cancer - Symptoms and causes

Bladder Cancer: Causes, Types, and Symptoms