Bladder Cancer – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Bladder cancer typically starts when urothelial cells lining the bladder multiply abnormally. This cancer is often caught early, making it highly treatable.

However, regular follow-up testing is necessary since bladder cancer can return even after successful treatment.

Who faces higher risk?

• Smokers (3 times more likely to develop bladder cancer)
• People over age 55
• Men more than women
• Those exposed to harmful chemicals
• Individuals with previous cancer treatments
• People with chronic bladder inflammation
• Those with a family history of bladder cancer

Common Symptoms

Most bladder cancer symptoms are noticeable. Watch for:

• Blood in urine
• Frequent urination
• Painful urination
• Back pain

If these symptoms appear, a doctor’s visit is recommended. The physician may check for common causes first or refer patients to specialists like urologists or oncologists.

Diagnostic Methods

Doctors use several approaches to diagnose bladder cancer:

1. Cystoscopy: A tiny camera passes through the urethra to view the bladder. If suspicious areas are found, a biopsy can be taken.

2. Urine Cytology: Examination of urine samples under a microscope to detect cancer cells.

3. Imaging Tests: Procedures like CT urograms or retrograde pyelograms use safe dye to highlight cancer cells in X-ray images.

Treatment Options

Treatment plans consider cancer type, stage, and patient preferences. The five main treatment approaches include:

Treatment	Description
Surgery	Removal of cancerous tissue
Chemotherapy	Cancer-killing chemicals delivered locally to bladder or throughout body
Radiation	High-energy beams targeting cancer cells
Targeted Drug Therapy	Medications blocking specific weaknesses in cancer cells
Immunotherapy	Drugs helping immune system identify and attack cancer cells

Living with Bladder Cancer

A bladder cancer diagnosis can cause stress, but patients can take steps to feel more in control:

1. Stay consistent with follow-up care. Regular testing and appointments provide important health information.

2. Practice good self-care. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Exercise regularly and prioritize sleep.

3. Manage mental health. Try stress-reduction techniques like journaling or meditation. Consider joining support groups with others who understand the experience.

Bladder cancer occurs in the hollow muscular organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine. While this cancer can develop in the kidneys and ureters (tubes connecting kidneys to bladder), it appears most commonly in the bladder itself.

Most patients receive their diagnosis at early stages when treatment success rates are high. However, the possibility of recurrence means doctors typically recommend years of follow-up testing after treatment.

Signs to Watch For

Bladder cancer often shows itself through various physical signs. You may see bright red or dark cola-colored blood in your urine. Sometimes your urine looks normal, but tests find blood that can’t be seen by eye.

People with bladder cancer often need to use the bathroom more frequently than usual. Urination might cause pain or burning. Some people feel pain in their lower back.

When You Should Contact a Doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice your urine is discolored or you think it might contain blood. Don’t wait to see if it goes away on its own.

You should also contact your doctor if you experience frequent or painful urination that doesn’t improve. Back pain combined with urinary symptoms needs medical attention.

What Causes Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer starts when cells in the bladder undergo DNA changes. These changes make cells multiply too quickly and live longer than they should.

These abnormal cells create tumors that can damage healthy tissue. Over time, these cells may spread to other parts of the body.

Types of Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer can form from different cell types in the bladder. The specific cell type helps doctors choose the best treatment approach.

The main types include:

Urothelial Carcinoma

This is the most common type in the United States. It forms in the cells that line the inside of the bladder.

These cells stretch when your bladder fills and shrink when it empties. This cancer can also appear in the ureters and urethra, which have similar cells.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This less common type typically develops after long-term bladder irritation. Causes might include chronic infections or long-term catheter use. While rare in the U.S., it’s more common in regions where schistosomiasis (a parasitic infection) frequently causes bladder infections.

Adenocarcinoma

This very rare type begins in the cells of mucus-producing glands in the bladder.

Some bladder cancers contain more than one cell type. Doctors examine these cells under a microscope to determine the exact type, which helps guide treatment decisions.

Risk Factors

Several factors can raise your chance of getting bladder cancer:

• Tobacco Use: Smoking is a leading risk factor. When you smoke, harmful chemicals enter your body and pass into your urine. These substances can damage your bladder lining and increase cancer risk.
• Age: The risk of bladder cancer grows higher as you get older. Most people diagnosed with this cancer are over 55 years old, though it can affect people of any age.
• Gender: Men have a higher chance of developing bladder cancer than women.
• Chemical Exposure: Certain workplace chemicals are linked to bladder cancer, including:
  • Arsenic
  • Chemicals used in making dyes
  • Substances used in rubber, leather, textile, and paint industries
• Previous Cancer Treatments: Some cancer therapies can raise bladder cancer risk:
  • Treatment with the medication cyclophosphamide
  • Radiation therapy directed at the pelvic area
• Long-term Bladder Inflammation: Chronic bladder infections or irritation may increase risk, especially for squamous cell bladder cancer. This includes:
  • Repeated urinary infections
  • Long-term catheter use
  • In some regions, the parasitic infection schistosomiasis
• Cancer History: Personal and family cancer history matters:
  • If you’ve had bladder cancer before, you’re more likely to develop it again
  • Having a parent, sibling, or child with bladder cancer slightly increases your risk
  • Family history of Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) can raise the risk of bladder and other cancers

Some factors like smoking can be changed, while others like age and gender cannot.

Prevention

There are several steps you can take to lower your risk of bladder cancer:

• Avoid tobacco products. Not smoking is one of the best ways to reduce your bladder cancer risk. If you currently smoke, ask your doctor about programs and medications that can help you quit.
• Be careful with chemicals. Follow all safety guidelines when working with industrial chemicals. Use protective equipment and practice proper handling techniques.
• Eat colorful fruits and vegetables. Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. These foods contain antioxidants that may help protect against cancer.

While these steps can help reduce your risk, they cannot guarantee prevention of bladder cancer.