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Recognizing the Early Stages of Bladder Cancer

Learn about the early stages of bladder cancer, common symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. Discover ways to reduce your risk of developing bladder cancer by Jerry brooks
Estimated reading time: 2 min 33 sec
Recognizing the Early Stages of Bladder Cancer Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder, a hollow organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine before it is expelled from the body.

While bladder cancer can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in older adults over 60 years old.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do occur, they may include:.

  • Blood in urine: This is the most common symptom of bladder cancer. Urine may appear pink, red, or dark brown.
  • Painful urination: Urinating may be painful or cause a burning sensation.
  • Increased urination frequency: You may feel the need to urinate more often than usual.
  • Urinary incontinence: Small amounts of urine may leak from the bladder.
  • Pelvic pain: You may experience pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis.

Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer

While the exact cause of bladder cancer is unknown, there are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. These risk factors include:.

Related Article Warning Signs of Bladder Cancer Warning Signs of Bladder Cancer

  • Smoking tobacco: Smoking is the most significant risk factor for bladder cancer, as it exposes the bladder to cancer-causing substances.
  • Age: Bladder cancer is more commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 60.
  • Gender: Men are more likely than women to develop bladder cancer.
  • Exposure to certain chemicals: Workers in certain industries, such as agriculture and chemical manufacturing, may be exposed to chemicals that increase the risk of bladder cancer.
  • Prior cancer treatment: Radiation therapy and certain chemotherapy drugs may increase the risk of developing bladder cancer.

Diagnosing Bladder Cancer

If you are experiencing symptoms of bladder cancer, your doctor may perform a variety of tests to diagnose the condition. These tests may include:.

  • Physical exam: Your doctor will perform a physical exam to check for any lumps or abnormalities in the bladder.
  • Urine test: A urine sample may be collected and examined for the presence of blood or cancer cells.
  • Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI scans may be used to generate images of the bladder and surrounding area.
  • Cystoscopy: A cystoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. This allows the doctor to examine the bladder and collect tissue samples for biopsy.

Treatment Options for Bladder Cancer

The treatment options for bladder cancer will depend on the stage of the cancer and other factors such as age and overall health. Common treatment options for bladder cancer include:.

  • Surgery: Surgery may be performed to remove the cancerous tissue from the bladder.
  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs may be used to kill cancer cells in the bladder.
  • Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs may be used to help the body’s immune system fight cancer cells.
  • Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.

Preventing Bladder Cancer

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent bladder cancer, there are certain steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the disease. These steps include:.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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