Bladder cancer
Cancer of the bladder is the seventh most common type of cancer worldwide. It occurs most frequently in middle-aged and elderly people, and is twice as common in men as in women.
There are several different types of bladder cancer. Most bladder cancers are transitional cell cancers, which begin in the lining of the bladder.
What are the risk factors?
Risk factors for bladder cancer include:- smoking;
- occupational exposure to certain chemicals, such as some chemicals used in the textile, rubber and aluminium industries;
- chronic cystitis (ongoing inflammation of the bladder);
- radiotherapy to the pelvis; and
- schistosomiasis (a parasitic infection found in Africa, Asia and South America).
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, which is generally painless. The blood may be easily visible or may be ‘microscopic’ and only show up on a urine test. Some people may have symptoms of bladder irritation, such as a burning feeling when passing urine or the need to pass urine frequently or urgently.These symptoms may be caused by other conditions, such as a urine infection, so do not necessarily mean cancer. However, if you have any of these symptoms, particularly blood in your urine, it is very important that you have this checked by your doctor.
How is it diagnosed?
Investigation for suspected bladder cancer routinely involves testing the urine for cancerous cells (urine cytology). It also includes some form of imaging of the urinary system.The main test for the diagnosis of bladder cancer is a cystoscopy. This involves the insertion of a small flexible telescope into the bladder through the urethra (the tube through which urine passes out of the body). It enables the specialist to look inside the bladder and to take biopsies (small samples of tissue) for analysis.
What is the treatment?
Treatment for bladder cancer depends on whether the cancer is superficial (confined to the bladder lining), or invasive (has spread through the lining into the muscle of the bladder wall). Most bladder cancers are superficial at the time of diagnosis.Treatment options for bladder cancer may include surgery, intravesical therapy (instillation of therapeutic agents directly into the bladder), radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Your doctor will advise you as to the options for treatment in your case.
Last Reviewed: 31 August 2007
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