Bladder Cancer: The Less Talked About Common Cancer
The bladder is a large organ that is hollow inside. It collects the urine from the kidneys through tubes called greeters. When the bladder becomes full it releases the urine through the urethra. It is thought that exposure to toxins from smoking or the environment causes abnormal cell growth in the bladder leading to bladder cancer.
Bladder cancer is considered any type of tumor growth in the bladder. There are actually several different kinds. They all fall under the category of superficial and invasive. An example of superficial tumors is bladder warts, which do not spread and are easily treated with a heat therapy utilizing a cystoscope. Invasive tumors would be growths that spread within and out of the bladder walls. These tumors are much more serious and require more aggressive treatment.
Men over sixty seem to be at greatest risk for bladder cancer. A history of cigarette smoking is a major cause of this kind of cancer in this age group. Other factors are these males tend to have a history of working with toxic chemicals of some type. Hair dressers and women who use hair dye on a regular basis also tent to be at risk for bladder cancer. The connection between hair dye and bladder cancer is still under investigation. Bladder cancer is the 10th most common form of cancer in women.
As stated earlier, the symptoms of bladder cancer are the same as many other common ailments. The urge to go frequently and blood in the urine are common early signs of bladder cancer. Blood in the urine, known as Haematuria, is usually benign or the sign of a bladder or kidney infection. Blood in the urine should always be brought to the doctor's attention.
When you go to the doctor the first thing they will do is a urine test to determine if the blood in your urine is from a common infection. The doctor may also do a physical exam of your pelvis to see if they can feel any abnormal growth in your bladder. If the doctor determines it is necessary they will do. Intravenous pyelogram (IVP). This is a special x-ray of the bladder that uses dye to show bladder tumors. The doctor may also do cystoscope exam. They insert a lighted tube in your urethra in order to exam the bladder. Doctors also use cystoscopes with other micro surgical tools to exam and remove bladder tumors.
If you are diagnosed with bladder cancer your treatment will depend on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, your age, and overall health. Surgical, radiation, biological, and chemotherapy are all utilized to treat different forms of bladder cancer.
To prevent bladder cancer a person should give up smoking if they smoke; as this accounts for as many of 60% of the new cases of bladder cancer diagnosed in men over 60. If you have a history of working with toxic chemicals then you should tell your doctor about this risk factor when you present with urinary symptoms. If you currently work with hazardous chemicals or hair dyes you should wear all the protective gear that has been recommended that you wear to limit your exposure. If you travel in tropical countries it is best to avoid swimming in fresh water, as many of the ponds and streams in these places contain parasites that are linked to the development of bladder cancer.
An overall healthy lifestyle will reduce your risk for bladder cancer and all other forms of cancer. Bladder cancer is rarely talked about, but with a little knowledge you can help increase your chances of early diagnosis and cut down on your personal risk factors.
http://www.bladder-cancer.net/index.php
Published by Rebecca Furtado
I live in a small city in the midwest. I am the pet parent to four cats, two birds , and one lonely dust bunny dog named Nigel. I have two human children. They are both teenagers and I occasionally see them. View profile
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