The function of bladder includes accumulating urine from the kidneys passing it out from the body through urination. Bladder cancer occurs when the cells in bladder tissue start to develop uncontrollably. The victim of bladder cancer is usually men than it does in female and mostly older men are having more likelihood of getting this disease. Dr. Anshuman Agarwal - An eminent urologist and Senior Consultant-Urology & Robotic Surgery, asserts that bladder cancer is treatable. All you need to do is to be more informed and aware of it.
Types of bladder cancer
There are three kinds of bladder cancer:
Transitional cell carcinoma: One of the common types of bladder cancer is transitional cell carcinoma. It is also known as Urothelial carcinoma. These are the cells that expand when the bladder is full and shrink when the bladder is empty. Cancer develops in the transitional cells in the inner layer of the bladder. These are the cells that change shape without getting impaired when the tissue is stretched.
Squamous cell carcinoma: As far as squamous cell carcinoma is concerned, it is not very common. It grows in the bladder when thin, flat squamous cells form after long-term infection or irritation in the bladder.
Adenocarcinoma: It is also not a very common type of bladder cancer. Usually, it begins when glandular cells form in bladder inflammation and irritation. The function of glandular cells is to produce mucus secret glands in the body.
Symptoms of bladder cancer
• Blood in urine
• Pain during urination
• Urge to urinate frequently
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Back pain
Diagnosis
Diagnosis for bladder cancer may be performed using the following methods:
• Internal examination
• Urinalysis
• Biopsy
• Cystoscope
• CT scan
• X-ray
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
Causes
• Chronic irritation of the lining of the bladder
• Exposure to radiation
• Exposure to chemical
• Use of tobacco and alcohol
• Parasitic infection and more
• Previous cancer treatment
Treatment of bladder cancer
Surgery
Surgical treatment can be performed for any stage and condition of bladder cancer.
Transurethral resection: This surgery is performed to treat stage 0 and 1 bladder cancer. In order to remove small tumors abnormal tissues, the surgeon inserts a cutting tool into the bladder. After this, they also burn away the remaining of the cancerous cells
Cystectomy: In this surgery, the surgeon removes the whole bladder or just the cancerous tissue. This procedure is conducted when cancer has spread deeper into the bladder. Dr. Anshuman Agarwal is widely experienced in performing such surgery.
Reconstructive surgery: In this procedure, the surgeon utilizes intestinal tissue to reconstruct the bladder or surrounding tubes. It may also provide a new way to store and expel urine.
Radiation therapy
Usually, people who cannot go through the surgery, are recommended radiation therapy in combination with chemotherapy to kill cancerous cells. That has invaded the muscular wall of the bladder.
Chemotherapy
In this treatment, the doctor uses effective drugs to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. It may also be performed before or after the surgery.