Bladder cancer, which forms in cells in the lining of the bladder, is the fifth most common type of cancer, affecting an estimated 62,000 people each year. This type of cancer is three times more common in men than in women, and afflicts Caucasians twice as often as African-Americans.
The three major types of bladder cancer are:
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Transitional cell carcinoma, the most common variety, starts in the lining of the bladder but can spread into the walls of the bladder and beyond.
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Squamous cell carcinoma, which is rarer and tends to be more aggressive, begins in the squamous cells, which may form in the bladder after a long-term infection or irritation
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Adenocarcinomas, which account for only about 2 percent of bladder cancers, begin in gladular cells that can form in the bladder after long-term inflammation and irritation.
Bladder cancer may be further identified as superficial - confined to the lining of the bladder - or invasive, spreadiing to nearby organs and lymph nodes.
Bladder cancer is highly treatable when detected early. For this reason, it’s vital to know your risk factors as well as the common symptoms of bladder cancer.
Symptoms & Risk Factors
The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. Other symptoms include:
Risk factors include:
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Smoking - Smokers are two to three times more likely to get bladder cancer than non-smokers
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Chemical exposure - People who work in the rubber, chemical and leather industry show an increased risk, as do printers, painters, textile workers, truck drivers and hairdressers
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Chronic bladder infections
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A diet high in fried meats and fat.
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Being older, male, or white.
Diagnosing Bladder Cancer
In addition to taking a thorough medical history and giving you a physical exam that includes urine and blood tests, your doctor may also use the following diagnostic tools:
- CT (computed tomography) scan: This procedure uses x-rays to take detailed pictures of structures within the body.
- Transurethral resection (TUR) of the bladder: A surgical procedure that is used both to diagnose bladder cancer and to remove cancerous tissue from the bladder. During TUR surgery, a cystoscope is passed into the bladder through the urethra. A tool called a resectoscope is used to remove the cancer for biopsy. For tumors that are confined to the surface of the bladder, this treatment can be curative. For tumors that are more extensive, additional treatment is required.
- Cystoscopy: A procedure to look inside the bladder and urethra to check for abnormal areas using a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing.
Treatment Options at UCSD Medical Center
Because bladder cancer can require a variety of treatments, we use a multi-disciplinary approach involving urologic surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. This team of doctors utilizes state-of–the-art techniques and medical protocols to ensure you receive the best treatment for your particular condition.
At UCSD, we specialize in radical cystectomy with urinary reconstruction for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer whose bladders need to be removed. During the urinary reconstruction process, we use a portion of the ileum to create an orthotopic neobladder that allows a patient to urinate normally through the urethra rather than needing a urostomy bag worn on the outside of the body.
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