Bladder cancer
Bladder cancer is the growth of abnormal tissue (tumor) in the bladder. There are several stages of bladder cancer. Your treatment will depend on the specific characteristics of the tumor (called the «stage» of the tumor).
Risk factors:
Bladder cancer develops slowly and is more common in older adults (aged 60 and older). According to the European Association of Urology’s guidelines for the diagnosis of bladder cancer, smoking tobacco, which contains many harmful substances, is responsible for half of the cases of bladder cancer.
Another known source of risk is occupational exposure to chemicals used in the production of paint, dye, metal, and oil, although personal protective measures in the workplace have helped reduce this risk.
Stages of the disease
A tumor that grows into the lumen of the bladder without invading the muscle layer of the bladder is called non-muscle invasive. These tumors are superficial and represent an early stage. This is the most common type of bladder cancer. In most cases, these tumors are not aggressive and rarely spread to other organs, so they usually do not lead to fatal outcomes; however, they may recur (recurrence) or develop aggressive features (progression).
When cancer spreads to the muscle of the bladder and surrounding muscles, it becomes muscle-invasive bladder cancer. This type of cancer has a higher likelihood of spreading to other parts of the body (metastasis) and is more difficult to treat. In some cases, it can lead to fatal outcomes.
Treatment:
- TUR of the bladder
- Bladder resection. Open surgery for certain bladder tumors.
- Laparoscopic radical cystectomy. One of the most complex and labor-intensive surgical interventions in oncourology.
Prevention of bladder cancer
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you smoke, try to quit. Follow safety rules in the workplace and avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. Some data suggest that consuming a large amount of fluid, primarily water, may reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables positively affects health and may lower the risk of cancer.