Posted on : 04/04/2022 Views : 654
Urinary Bladder Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
The bladder is an organ that collects and stores urine until it is expelled from the body. More than 90% of bladder tumors begin in the cells that make up the bladder wall's innermost lining. As per an eminent expert practicing in the best urology hospital in Bangalore, bladder cancers can be easily diagnosed as it causes blood in the urine and other noticeable symptoms. Here we have discussed the symptoms, causes of bladder cancer, how to treat the same, and many more.
Understanding bladder cancer:
Bladder cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the cells of the bladder. The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower abdomen that serves as a reservoir for urine until it is emptied out of the body. The majority of bladder cancers are detected early on when they are curable.
Tell me the symptoms of bladder cancer:
Blood can be discharged along with the urine of persons with bladder cancer, but sometimes they might not experience pain when peeing.
- Fatigue,
- Weight loss,
- And bone discomfort is some of the symptoms that can indicate bladder cancer, and they can signify more advanced diseases.
As per the best urologist in Jayanagar, pay special attention to the following signs and symptoms:
- Pain while urine discharge
- Frequent urine discharge
- Pain in the lower back region
- Pain in the lower abdomen area
- Urinary incontinence
- Urine appears bright red or cola-colored. However, blood can be observed on a lab test even if the urine appears normal.
When should you seek medical advice?
Make an appointment with your doctor to get your urine examined if you see darker pee and are concerned it may contain blood.
If you have any other signs or symptoms mentioned above that concern you, arrange an appointment with your doctor.
Treatment options available for bladder cancer:
Patients with bladder cancer can receive one of four treatments. These are-
- Surgery- multiple surgical approaches are there to remove the cancerous portion of the bladder. TURBT( Transurethral Resection of bladder Tumor) is the most commonly performed one. During the surgery, a surgeon inserts an electric wire loop into the bladder via a cystoscope. The cancer is sliced or burned away using the electric current in the wire. A high-energy laser can also be used instead.
You won't have any cuts in your abdomen because the surgery is done through the urethra(from where the urine is getting discharged)
- Chemotherapy- Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. In most cases, two or more chemotherapy medicines are used in combination to treat bladder cancer.
- Immunotherapy- in immunotherapy, drugs are given that boost your immune system's ability to fight cancer. The two ways of injecting medicines are intravesicular(directly into the bladder) and intravenous (through the vein).
- Radiation therapy -Radiation therapy for bladder cancer is often administered by a machine that moves about your body, sending radiation beams to specific locations.
In some cases, such as when surgery isn't an option or isn't wanted, radiation therapy is combined with chemotherapy to treat bladder cancer. Combinations of these treatments are sometimes employed, if necessary.
How to prevent bladder cancer?
- Try to avoid smoking. If you smoke, speak with your doctor about a strategy for quitting.
- Support groups, medications, and other ways may be used to assist you in quitting smoking.
- If you work with chemicals, make sure you follow all safety precautions.
- Select a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Consume a diet that is rich in a range of brightly colored fruits and vegetables.
- Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables may help lower your cancer risk.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (a type of bladder cancer) is more common in people who have frequent bladder infections, bladder stones, or other urinary tract problems.
- Patients with a history of bladder cancer are more likely to develop new or recurring tumors. That is why a frequent follow-up is necessary.
Conclusion- Keep an eye out for any of the symptoms listed above and get to a clinic or hospital as soon as possible. If you need a second opinion, you may always speak with one of our best doctors in Bangalore.