Summary about Disease
Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder, the organ in your lower abdomen that stores urine. It's most often urothelial carcinoma, which starts in the cells that line the inside of the bladder. Bladder cancer is often detected early because it causes blood in the urine or painful urination. However, recurrence is common, requiring ongoing monitoring.
Symptoms
Blood in urine (hematuria), which may appear bright red or cola-colored.
Painful urination (dysuria).
Frequent urination.
Urgency to urinate.
Feeling the need to urinate, even though the bladder is not full.
Lower back pain.
Abdominal pain.
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Causes
The exact cause of bladder cancer isn't always clear, but several factors are associated with an increased risk:
Smoking: This is the biggest risk factor.
Chemical exposures: Certain chemicals, especially those used in the dye, rubber, leather, textile and paint industries.
Chronic bladder irritation: Such as from chronic urinary infections, bladder stones, or long-term catheter use.
Age: The risk of bladder cancer increases with age.
Race: White people are more likely to develop bladder cancer than people of other races.
Gender: Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer than women.
Family history: A family history of bladder cancer increases your risk.
Previous cancer treatment: Certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy to the pelvis can increase the risk.
Arsenic exposure: Drinking water contaminated with arsenic.
Medicine Used
The medicines used for bladder cancer treatment vary based on the stage and grade of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Options include:
Chemotherapy: Drugs like cisplatin, gemcitabine, methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and paclitaxel. These can be given systemically or directly into the bladder (intravesical chemotherapy).
Immunotherapy: Medications such as BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) for early-stage, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, or checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab, atezolizumab) for more advanced stages.
Targeted therapy: Erdafitinib for advanced bladder cancer with specific genetic mutations (FGFR alterations).
Is Communicable
Bladder cancer is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
While you can't entirely prevent bladder cancer, you can take steps to reduce your risk:
Quit smoking: If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, don't start.
Avoid exposure to chemicals: If you work with chemicals, follow safety instructions carefully.
Drink plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated can help flush out potentially harmful substances from your bladder.
Eat a healthy diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Be aware of risk factors: If you have a family history of bladder cancer or other risk factors, discuss them with your doctor.
Regular Checkups: If you are at high risk, discuss regular screenings with your doctor.
How long does an outbreak last?
Bladder cancer isn't an "outbreak" like an infection. It is a chronic disease. Treatment and management depend on the stage and grade of the cancer. Someone can have bladder cancer for months or years, with periods of remission and recurrence.
How is it diagnosed?
Cystoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder to visualize the bladder lining.
Urine cytology: A sample of urine is examined under a microscope for cancer cells.
Biopsy: If abnormalities are seen during cystoscopy, a tissue sample is taken for further examination.
Imaging tests: CT scans, MRI, or ultrasound to determine if the cancer has spread.
Urine tumor marker tests: These tests look for substances in the urine that may indicate bladder cancer.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of bladder cancer symptoms can vary:
Early stage: Often presents with painless blood in the urine (hematuria). This can be intermittent, meaning it comes and goes.
Later stages: As the cancer progresses, symptoms like painful urination, frequent urination, and urgency may develop. Pain in the lower back or abdomen can also occur.
Advanced cancer: Fatigue, weight loss, and loss of appetite are common. The time from initial symptoms to diagnosis can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on how quickly a person seeks medical attention and the thoroughness of the evaluation.
Important Considerations
Recurrence: Bladder cancer has a high recurrence rate, so regular follow-up cystoscopies and urine tests are essential.
Treatment options: Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including a urologist, oncologist, and radiation oncologist.
Quality of life: Treatment can impact quality of life, so it's important to discuss potential side effects and supportive care options with your healthcare team.
Clinical trials: Consider participating in clinical trials to access new and potentially more effective treatments.
Second opinions: It's always a good idea to get a second opinion from another specialist, especially for complex or advanced cases.