Bladder Cancer
Bladder is a hollow and muscular organ located in pelvis which stores urine. Bladder cancer is a disease which is characterized by the abnormal multiplicity of cells within bladder. It is one of the most common types of cancer and it is estimated that almost4 Lakh people are suffering from it.
For its proper study and diagnosis, after thorough examination of tumor, pathologists have designed grading system. Higher grade cancers are risky and are capable to invade the bladder wall and spread to other parts of the body.
• Grade 1 cells look much like normal cells. They are low grade cells and do not spread quickly.
• Grade 2 cells look abnormal. They are medium grade cells and spread more quickly than low grade cells.
• Grade 3 cells look completely abnormal. They are fast growing and can spread much faster than all its counterparts.
Causes :
The truth is there is no known reason why cell becomes cancerous. It is believed that some genetic changes propel the condition.
Following are most commonly observed causes for bladder cancer.
1. Increasing age :
Most bladder cancers occur in people over the age of 50. It is rare in people aged younger than 40.
2. Smoking :
Bladder cancer is four times more common in smokers than non-smokers. Some of the chemicals from tobacco get into the body and are passed out in urine. These chemicals in the urine are carcinogenic (damaging) to the bladder cells. It is estimated that about one third of bladder cancers are related to smoking.
3. Other chemicals :
Certain workplace and environmental chemicals have been linked to bladder cancer - for example, substances used in the rubber and dye industries. Many of these chemicals are now banned in the UK. However, bladder cancer may develop as late as 10-25 years after exposure to certain chemicals. This means that some cases are still being diagnosed in people who worked with these chemicals years ago.
4. Gender :
Bladder cancer is about three times more common in men than women.
5. Ethnic background :
Bladder cancer is more common in white people than in black people.
6. Food and drink :
People who eat plenty of fruit and vegetables have a lower risk of developing bladder cancer than those who do not. Also, people who drink a lot of coffee have a slightly increased risk.
7. Previous radiotherapy or chemotherapy increases the risk.
8. Schistosomiasis :
This bladder infection, which is caused by a parasite in certain hot countries, increases the risk.
9. Occupational Exposure :
30% of cases are related with occupational exposures to carcinogens like benzidine and Naphthylamine. They are also present in tobacco smoke.
10. Mutations :
It has been suggested that mutations at HRAS, KRAS2, RB1, and FGFR3 may be associated in some cases.
Symptoms :
There are no clear signs and symptoms particular to the bladder cancer, as it might cause due to non carcinogenic conditions like prostate infections.
1. Hematuria :
It is used to describe the condition in which there is a blood in urine. This is most common symptom and is observed in all the cases. Generally it is painless and visible to naked eye.
2. Urination :
Another symptom is pain during urination, frequent urination
3. Pain :
Pain in back and pelvic area. In some cases abdominal pain has also been observed.
If cancer is develop in other parts, and then it shows other symptoms.Bladder is a hollow and muscular organ located in pelvis which stores urine. Bladder cancer is a disease which is characterized by the abnormal multiplicity of cells within bladder. It is one of the most common types of cancer and it is estimated that almost4 Lakh people are suffering from it.
For its proper study and diagnosis, after thorough examination of tumor, pathologists have designed grading system. Higher grade cancers are risky and are capable to invade the bladder wall and spread to other parts of the body.
• Grade 1 cells look much like normal cells. They are low grade cells and do not spread quickly.
• Grade 2 cells look abnormal. They are medium grade cells and spread more quickly than low grade cells.
• Grade 3 cells look completely abnormal. They are fast growing and can spread much faster than all its counterparts.
Causes :
The truth is there is no known reason why cell becomes cancerous. It is believed that some genetic changes propel the condition.
Following are most commonly observed causes for bladder cancer.
1. Increasing age :
Most bladder cancers occur in people over the age of 50. It is rare in people aged younger than 40.
2. Smoking :
Bladder cancer is four times more common in smokers than non-smokers. Some of the chemicals from tobacco get into the body and are passed out in urine. These chemicals in the urine are carcinogenic (damaging) to the bladder cells. It is estimated that about one third of bladder cancers are related to smoking.
3. Other chemicals :
Certain workplace and environmental chemicals have been linked to bladder cancer - for example, substances used in the rubber and dye industries. Many of these chemicals are now banned in the UK. However, bladder cancer may develop as late as 10-25 years after exposure to certain chemicals. This means that some cases are still being diagnosed in people who worked with these chemicals years ago.
4. Gender :
Bladder cancer is about three times more common in men than women.
5. Ethnic background :
Bladder cancer is more common in white people than in black people.
6. Food and drink :
People who eat plenty of fruit and vegetables have a lower risk of developing bladder cancer than those who do not. Also, people who drink a lot of coffee have a slightly increased risk.
7. Previous radiotherapy or chemotherapy increases the risk.
8. Schistosomiasis :
This bladder infection, which is caused by a parasite in certain hot countries, increases the risk.
9. Occupational Exposure :
30% of cases are related with occupational exposures to carcinogens like benzidine and Naphthylamine. They are also present in tobacco smoke.
10. Mutations :
It has been suggested that mutations at HRAS, KRAS2, RB1, and FGFR3 may be associated in some cases.
Symptoms :
There are no clear signs and symptoms particular to the bladder cancer, as it might cause due to non carcinogenic conditions like prostate infections.
1. Hematuria :
It is used to describe the condition in which there is a blood in urine. This is most common symptom and is observed in all the cases. Generally it is painless and visible to naked eye.
2. Urination :
Another symptom is pain during urination, frequent urination
3. Pain :
Pain in back and pelvic area. In some cases abdominal pain has also been observed.
If cancer is develop in other parts, and then it shows other symptoms.