Causes of bladder cancer.
Bladder Cancer is one of the common cancers in the urinary tract. It is an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the lining of the bladder. Certain chemicals (carcinogens) may be the underlying cause of tumor growth in the bladder. Also, if you have the following habits or factors you may be at risk for the disease
Smoking: Is the highest risk factor for disrupting cell division, leading to the formation of cancerous tumors in the bladder.
Exposure to chemicals at work: If you regularly work with chemicals or in certain industries you are at a higher risk of disease than the general population. Organic chemicals, called aromatic amines, are used in the dyeing industry. Other industries related to bladder cancer include rubber and leather processing, textiles, hair dyeing, painting and printing.
High-fat diet: If you like a diet that includes large amounts of fried meat and animal fat, the same habit of not drinking enough water every day can increase your risk of mucosal irritation resulting in tumor formation in the bladder.
Chronic cystitis: Frequent cystitis and other urinary problems that irritate the bladder may increase the risk of developing cancerous tumors in the lining of the bladder.
Parasitic infection: Parasitic may increase the risk of bladder cancer.
Genetics and family history: Certain genetic syndromes are associated with an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.
Symptom warning
Bloody urine: Pink or red bloody urine is the most common symptom of bladder cancer. The cause may be due to tumor growth, compression causing damage and bleeding in the lining of the bladder.
Painful or painful feeling: when the tumor appears, it will squeeze into the lining and bladder wall, making it difficult for the person to urinate or feeling pain and discomfort.
Frequent urination: feeling sad often, but unable to urinate or having trouble urinating.
Pain in the lower back around the kidneys (pain in the ribs): this can occur when bladder cancer advances later. When the tumor has grown large, it can compress, affecting surrounding organ systems or spreading and directly affecting other organs in the body such as the kidneys, causing pain in the lower back and pain to the back.
Stages
Stage 0: The tumor starts in the lining of the bladder there is no sign of invasion deep into the wall of the bladder or surrounding tissues.
Stage 1: The cancer has grown into connective tissue under the lining of the bladder but has not reached the muscle layer in the wall of the bladder. The cancer does not spread to lymph nodes or to other parts of the body.
Stage 2: Cancer has grown into the muscular layer of the bladder. Cancer tumors do not show signs of ingestion and spread to the lymph nodes, or to distant locations in the body.
Stage 3: Cancer has grown into fatty tissue surrounding the bladder. It may have spread to the prostate, uterus, or vagina (for women), but it has not grown to the pelvic or abdominal wall. The cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes or to distant locations.
Stage 4: the test results show that one of the following, the cancer tumor has moved to stage 4.
The treatments
Surgery:
There are many different surgical methods for treating bladder cancer. The options chosen often depend on the stage and level of the disease. Surgical options to treat this condition include:
Surgery to remove bladder tumors: For people with benign tumors, surgery to remove the tumor and the surrounding affected tissue can eliminate cancer. However, your doctor may recommend additional treatments to reduce your risk of cancer returning, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy. For cancerous tumors, additional treatment is needed by radiation therapy.
Cut: Acute cut is the removal of the entire bladder and possibly nearby tissues and organs. For specially men, the prostate and urethra may also be removed. For women, the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and vaginal part can be removed. In addition, the pelvic lymph nodes are removed for both men and women. This is called pelvic lymph node surgery. However, the absence of a bladder can affect a patient’s quality of life. Therefore, the option to retain all or part of the bladder for patients is always concerned by doctors.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells, usually by blocking the ability of cancer cells to grow and divide. A patient may receive 1 medication at a time or a combination of different drugs.
Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy, also known as biological therapy, is done to promote the body’s defense mechanisms to fight cancer. The standard immune drug for bladder cancer is a called Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), similar to the bacteria that cause TB. The BCG is placed directly into the bladder through the catheter. This is called internal therapy. BCG attaches to the lining of the bladder and stimulates the body’s natural immune system to destroy the tumor. BCG can cause flu-like symptoms, chills, mild fever, fatigue, burning sensation in the bladder, and bladder bleeding. Side effects of chemotherapy depend on the individual and the dose. Some of the most common signs include fatigue, risk of infection, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. These side effects usually subside after treatment is completed.
Radiation therapy:
Radiotherapy is often not used as the main treatment for bladder cancer, but it can be combined with chemotherapy. Some people who cannot get chemotherapy can only use radiation therapy. Side effects of radiation therapy may include fatigue, mild skin irritation and fluid bowel movements. For the treatment of malignant tumors in the bladder, side effects are most common in the pelvic and abdominal areas and may include frequent urination during treatment, and bleeding in the bladder or rectum colon. Most side effects will disappear as soon as the treatment is finished. Bladder cancer can be completely treated if detected early and applied modern advanced medical treatments. In addition to preventing cancer recurrence and restoring the body’s natural resistance after treatment, you should add natural-derived herbs rich in antioxidants and help restore the immune system preventing the risk of recurrent cancer like Japan Fucoidan brown algae.
What support can we give for Bladder Cancer?
Bladder Cancer is a rare cancer, meaning it is not as well known as other forms of cancer. Without a Ribbon is an Australian organisation that provides support for individuals who suffer from rare cancers. We provide a designated platform for Warriors to obtain information specific to their Rare Cancer. We also provide annual opportunities for our Warriors to meet and learn from each other. If you suffer from rare cancer such as Bladder Cancer, we can help and support you through your journey thanks to the generous donations we receive. Click the link below to sign up and become a Warrior today!
You can help us with your donation:
Without a Ribbon is a charity that works hard to aid those who suffer from rare cancers. You can help our cause in a variety of ways:
Donations — Without a Ribbon is grateful when we receive every donation. Giving to Without a Ribbon helps us to provide ongoing support, organise the annual gathering and subsidise the costs of our Warriors attending these conferences.
Sponsorship — If you wish to sponsor our charity, please contact us using this form.
Volunteering — We are always looking for volunteers to help with different aspects of running our charity. So, if you are looking for volunteer work, please feel free to contact us.