A Health Guide on Bladder Cancer
Cancer is a health issue or ailment where the body’s cells begin to grow out of control. Similarly, bladder cancer occurs when the cells that make up the bladder grow out of control.
The majority of bladder cancers are discovered early in their progression, while they are still relatively treatable. The best urologist in Chandigarh always advises getting a regular urological check-up to catch any significant symptoms early. However, many times, even early-stage bladder tumors may return after treatment. Therefore, people with bladder cancer may need to undergo follow-up tests for years after treatment to ensure that Cancer hasn’t returned.
The bladder is a hollow body part located near the abdomen in the bottom part of the body. It stores urine produced by the kidneys, located on either side of the backbone, above the waist, and has a balloon-like shape and muscular wall. The tubules in the kidneys filter and purify the blood and remove waste and produce urine. Urine travels from the kidneys to the bladder via a long tube. Urine is held in the bladder until it is passed.
- Bladder cancer has been diagnosed in more than 0.5 million people in 2020, with 1% of those dying from the condition.
Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
The following are some of the most prevalent symptoms that people experience.
- Urine with blood (hematuria),
- Increase in Urination frequency
- Pain during Urination
- Backache
With hematuria, urine may appear bright crimson or cola-colored. Even though the urine may appear normal, blood can be discovered on a lab test.
Reason and Risk factors
When the DNA of bladder cells mutates, bladder cancer develops. The DNA of a cell instructs and directs the cell’s actions. When it mutates incorrectly, it instructs the cells to grow fast, causing healthy cells to perish multiple times. These aberrant cells form a tumor, which can infiltrate and destroy healthy tissue. The aberrant cells might progressively break out and spread throughout the body.
Although anyone can develop Cancer, certain people are at high risk.
Smokers
Smokers are more likely to acquire bladder cancer if they smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. As a result of smoking, toxic substances accumulate in the urine. When you smoke, the chemicals in the smoke are processed by your body and excreted in the urine. These chemicals have the potential to harm the lining of your bladder, increasing your cancer risk.
Age factor
Your risks of acquiring bladder cancer rise as you become older. Even though bladder cancer can attack anyone at any age, the majority of people diagnosed are over 55.
Previous Cancer treatment
Cyclophosphamide is a cancer-fighting drug. It increases the likelihood of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer is more common in people who have undergone pelvic radiation therapy for previous cancer.
Bladder inflammation
Using a urinary catheter for a longer duration may raise the risk of squamous cell bladder cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is connected to persistent bladder inflammation produced by the parasite diseases schistosomiasis in several parts of the world.
Family history of Cancer
You are at a higher risk if your parent, sibling, or child in your family has had the disease. Lynch syndrome is a nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome that increases the family’s risk of cancers of the urinary system, colon, uterus, ovaries, and other organs.
Diagnosing a Bladder Cancer
Some tests and procedures need to be performed to diagnose bladder cancer.
- Cystoscopy
- Biopsy
- Urine cytology
- Imaging tests such as CT Scan, X-ray, and MRI
Treatment for bladder cancer
Treatment for bladder cancer is dependent on a variety of factors. It also depends on the Cancer’s severity and type.
The following are some of the most prevalent treatment options:
- Surgical removal of malignant cells
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation is used to kill cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy is a treatment that activates the body’s immune system to combat cancer cells.
- When other therapies haven’t worked, targeted therapy is used to treat advanced Cancer.
The doctor may recommend one or several therapies depending on the patient’s condition.
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For the first several years after bladder cancer therapy, the best urologist in Chandigarh recommends having a cystoscopy, which examines the inside of the urethra and bladder. Every three to six months, this test should be performed. You only need to go through a cystoscopy exam once a year after a few years of surveillance. But for that period patient needs to be cancer-free. Further, the doctor may request more testing at regular intervals.
Schedule an appointment with Chaudhary Hospital’s best urologist in Chandigarh if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms described above. We guarantee that professionals will treat you of the highest caliber.