What is bladder cancer and what are its symptoms?

*This text has been written based on the information received from health institutions and organizations, hospitals and health professionals. If you or someone you know has any of the symptoms described here, our recommendation is to see a doctor as soon as possible.

While we don’t see bladder cancer campaigns around the world very often, this is the 10th most common type of pathology. The chances of recovery are excellent when diagnosed early.

According to an estimate by the National Cancer Institute (INCA) in Brazil, at least 7,590 new diagnoses per year in men and 3,050 new diagnoses in women were expected between 2020 and 2022.

This type of cancer is more common in men over the age of 55, and some occupations have risk factors linked to occupational risk.

See what the risks, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are for this type of cancer.

Are there more than one type of bladder cancer?

The bladder is an organ located in the pelvis that receives the urine produced in the kidneys through the ureters and stores fluid until it is excreted by the body through the urine.

The bladder, ureters, and urethra are lined with cells called urothelial cells. When there is an error in the way these cells reproduce, they can form tumors in any of these three regions.

This type one: urothelial carcinomamore common and common in 90% of cases.

HE the second type is squamous cell carcinoma🇧🇷 This type of cancer is associated with persistent processes of chronic irritation of the bladder, which can be caused by infections, contact with chemical products, drugs, among other factors.

HE The third type is adenocarcinoma. It is very rare and affects the mucus-producing cells in the bladder.

What are the causes and risk factors?

Among the causes of bladder cancer, cigarettes gain importance🇧🇷 Cigarettes contain chemicals that are excreted in the urine. This causes constant irritation of the organ which can cause cell mutation and cancer development.

Those who work in the textile industries, dyestuffs, glass manufacturing, metallurgists and others that are still in contact with chemicals are also at risk of contamination and the development of cancer.

In total, INCA surveyed 28 occupations that were directly at risk. You can review the professions from the infographic.

Depending on age and gender, men over 55 are more likely to develop bladder cancer. But the pathology can manifest itself at any age.

In addition, although rare, hereditary genetic factors, treatment of other types of cancer, recurrent urinary tract infections and long-term probe use are some other risk factors.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. It can also be:

– Pain in the pelvis area;

– Back pain;

– Increased urination (voiding).

If you notice any of these symptoms or other differences, seek medical attention.

How is the diagnosis made?

Diagnosis can be made in a variety of ways, from urinalysis to more complex tests such as magnetic resonance imaging.

The most common diagnostic test is cystoscopy, in which a probe is inserted through the urethra and checked for signs of bladder injury via a microcamera.

How is the treatment done?

Treatment will be more conservative or more invasive, depending on the severity of the cancer.

In the early stages, when the cancer is located only in the inner layer of the bladder, surgery to remove only the affected part and treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be the option chosen by the professional.

However, if the cancer is in more advanced stages affecting the bladder muscles, more serious procedures such as bladder removal may be necessary.

Even if the treatment is effective, the condition will need to be monitored for years to rule out the possibility of the disease recurring.

The type of treatment, time and which treatment is most appropriate can only be directed by the doctor responsible for following the patient.

Every cancer is unique, and so is the person who has it. So talk to your doctor and see what the treatment possibilities are.

Is there any prevention?

Ditto. The best way to prevent it is a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking and tobacco products, exercising and especially keeping your exams up to date.

When diagnosed early, the chances of cure are excellent. Going against the popular saying: who seeks, heals!