Bladder cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the bladder’s lining. It is one of the most common types of urinary tract cancer, often associated with smoking and exposure to certain chemicals.
Characteristics and Symptoms:
- Hematuria: Blood in urine, which may be visible or detected through tests.
- Frequent Urination: Increased need to urinate, often accompanied by urgency.
- Painful Urination: Discomfort or burning sensation during urination.
- Lower Abdominal Pain: Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area.
Diagnosis:
- Cystoscopy: A procedure to visualize the bladder using a thin, flexible tube with a camera.
- Urine Cytology: Examining urine for cancer cells.
- Biopsy: Taking tissue samples during cystoscopy to confirm cancer diagnosis.
- Imaging Studies: CT scans or MRIs to determine the extent of cancer spread.
Treatment Options:
- Surgery: Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT) to remove tumors.
- Intravesical Therapy: Chemotherapy or immunotherapy directly instilled into the bladder.
- Radical Cystectomy: Surgical removal of the bladder for invasive cancer.
- Chemotherapy: Systemic chemotherapy for advanced bladder cancer.
