Causes and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
By: Alin ThomsTotal Views: 247, Word Count: 488,
Bladder cancer is defined as a malignant growth in the urinary bladder. It is a type of cancer in which bladder cells multiply without control. Let’s know about the causes and symptoms of bladder cancer. We all know that, bladder is a hollow and muscular organ which stores urine. It is present in the pelvis.
Normally, bladder cancer begins in the cell lining, present inside the bladder. It is also known as transitional cell carcinoma. It can be diagnosed with the help of biopsy obtained during cystoscopy.
Causes of Bladder Cancer
- Tobacco smoking is the main cause of urinary bladder cancer. This cause is associated with half of the bladder cancer patients who are men and in one-third cases of women.
- In a 10-year study, many researchers found that men who drink 1.5L of water per day have reduced incidence of bladder cancer.
- Bladder cancer may be caused by the bladder which is directly in contact with carcinogens excreted in urine. 30 % of bladder tumors most likely result from exposure to carcinogens in workplace of humans. These carcinogens such as benzidine 2-Naphthylamine are found in cigarette smoke.
- In some countries, rubber workers, motor mechanics, blacksmiths, bus drivers, leather workers, machine setters and mechanics are having greater risk of bladder cancer.
- Hairdressers because of their frequent exposure to different types of hair dyes also have risk of this cancer.
- Being infected with specific types of parasites, common in tropical areas also gives rise to the risk for bladder cancer.
- Sometimes, androgen receptor, known to be more active in men than in women plays a vast role in the development of bladder cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
1. Blood in the urine: This is a very common symptom observed in case of bladder cancer. Having blood in the urine does not confirm cancer, but it is not normal and should always be analyzed by a doctor.
2. Frequent urination and pain
3. Back and abdominal pain
4. Loss of appetite and weight
5. Five-year survival rate for early stage bladder cancer is 85%. Nearly all the most patients with bladder cancer detect superficial tumor.
6. Sometimes bladder cancer causes irritative symptoms with little or no bleeding.
7. Inability to hold urine
8. Burning sensation when passing urine
9. Hardly ever, patients may show symptoms of advanced disease of bladder cancer such as a swollen bladder. This is because of the presence of a tumor at the bladder neck, or pain in the flanks, bone pains, or cough in the phlegm.
In United States, bladder cancer is the 4th most common cancer in men and 9th most ordinary cancer in women. Studies say that more than 16,000 women and 50,000 men are detected to have bladder cancer each year.
About the Author
Dr.Alin Thoms is a well known cancer specialist ( oncologist) and has been in this field since from 1995. He uses radiotherapy or drugs to treat cancer. He has done B.A and B.M.B.ch from Oxford University. His special interests lies in - leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and chemotherapy and transplantation for these disorders. He is currently director of the North London Cancer Network.
Advice Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote