Bladder cancer refers to any type of malignant growth in the urinary bladder in which abnormal cells multiply uncontrollably in the bladder. The bladder is a hollow organ located in the pelvis that stores urine. The most common type of bladder cancer (90%) originates in the cells that line the inside of the bladder. These cells are called transitional cell carcinomas or urothelial cell carcinomas. In most cases, the muscle that assists in urination is not affected.
The common symptom of bladder cancer is the presence of blood in the urine. It may be visible to the naked eye called frank hematuria. In cases where only the microscope can detect it, it is microscopic hematuria. Other symptoms include pain in urination and polyuria or frequent urination. However, the symptoms in themselves do not confirm diagnosis as they may indicate other health problems such as prostate infections and cystitis which are both non-cancerous conditions. Kidney cancer can also cause hematuria. Patients suspected to have bladder cancer must go through tests. Radiological imaging of the kidneys, ureter, and the bladder must be performed. Then, the precise cause of hematuria may be determined.
Smoking is related to over half of bladder cancer cases. Aging also represents a risk factor such that most people diagnosed with the disease are between 50 and 70 years of age. Chronic bladder inflammations, such as urinary tract infection and bladder stones, are also risk factors of developing bladder cancer. Bladder cancer may also appear as a side effect of medicines. An example is the administration of cyclophosfamide which is used to treat cancer and is said to cause bladder cancer.
Due to the improvements on cancer related studies and sciences, combinations of traditional and innovative bladder cancer treatments are available depending on the appropriate combination of therapies applicable on a case to case basis.
Surgery is performed to take out tumors of the bladder whenever applicable. Several types of surgery used for bladder cancer may involve removal of the entire bladder or parts of the bladder. Surgery as a bladder cancer treatment may help prevent future problems like blockage or bleeding.
Radiation is also a bladder cancer treatment option. Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is an advanced form of conformal radiotherapy where a computer program plans a precise dose of radiation in dimensions based on individual tumor size, shape, and location. It focuses the radiation rays to the cancer affected areas while sparing more of the healthy surrounding tissue.
Fractionated-dose chemotherapy is a bladder cancer treatment that divides a powerful dosage of chemotherapy drugs into smaller doses given over several days. The method exposes the bladder cancer cells to the drugs for a longer period while reducing the repulsive side effects often experienced with heavier doses.
Immunotherapy or biotherapy is a bladder cancer treatment that uses the body’s natural defense system to attach the cancer.
Other complementary and alternative therapies such as naturopathic medicine, nutritional therapy, mind-body medicine, image enhancement, and spiritual support are also available to bladder cancer patients. These alternative therapies may assist in the treating process and provide physical comfort to the patient while facing the challenges brought about by the disease.
