Nutrition5 min read
Spirulina Biotic Powder: Benefits, Nutrition Facts and Its Role in Cancer Nutrition
Dr. Vrundali Kannoth
Cancer care
Bladder Cancer
Overview
What is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer is defined as when cancerous cells form in the lining of the bladder, the most frequent being urothelial carcinoma, and can vary from non-invasive to invasive types involving deeper layers of the bladder. Bladder cancer tends to present with blood in the urine, increased frequency of urination, and pelvic discomfort and is caused by causes like smoking, chemical exposure, and chronic bladder irritation.
Bladder Cancer Types
Urothelial Carcinoma (Transitional Cell Carcinoma)
- It is the most prevalent type of bladder cancer, starting in the urothelial cells that line the interior of the bladder. It can be low-grade to high-grade and extend to other urinary tract locations, including the ureters and kidneys. It is frequently responsive to surgery and intravesical treatments.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- This is a rare type of bladder cancer associated with chronic irritation or inflammation of the bladder, usually induced by prolonged catheterization or repeated infections. It is more virulent and usually diagnosed at a later stage when it is more difficult to treat and results are less optimal than in the case of urothelial carcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma arises from bladder glandular mucus-producing cells and accounts for an extremely small fraction of bladder cancer. It is most commonly seen in the setting of congenital anomalies or chronic bladder irritation. Due to its high-grade malignant potential, management is typically radical surgery and follow-up to watch for recurrence.
Small Cell Carcinoma
- This is an extremely aggressive and uncommon bladder cancer that arises in the bladder's neuroendocrine cells. It develops and advances rapidly, frequently outside of the bladder, and necessitates aggressive treatment with chemotherapy and radiation. It is similar in nature to small cell lung cancer and generally carries a worse prognosis.
Bladder Cancer Symptoms
Blood in the urine, usually painless, is the most frequent first sign of bladder cancer.
What’s Notable
- Bladder cancer is the ninth most common cancer globally.
- Men have a four-fold risk of getting bladder cancer compared to women, particularly those with smoking history.
- Bladder cancer has a very high recurrence rate, and hence, a long-term follow-up is required for the survivors.
When to Seek Help
Blood in urine (Hematuria): Even a few drops of blood in the urine—cola-colored, pink, or red—could signal a bladder problem and needs a test right away. Pain on urination (Dysuria): Burning or pain on urination can be a sign of inflammation or a tumor compressing the bladder wall.
Bladder Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Smoking (Significant Risk Factor)
Carcinogens in tobacco smoke are filtered through the kidneys and deposited in the bladder, causing cumulative damage to the bladder lining.
Exposure to Chemicals at Work
Exposure to dyes, rubber, leather, or industrial chemicals (e.g., aromatic amines) increases the risk of bladder cancer.
Recurrent Bladder Infections or Chronic Inflammation
Recurrent urinary tract infections or long-term catheterization will inflame the lining of the bladder and raise cancer risk.
Age and Gender
Most bladder cancers occur in people older than 55 and are more common in men than in women.
Past Cancer Treatments
Radiation to the pelvis or chemotherapy drugs like cyclophosphamide can increase the risk of getting bladder cancer many years later.
Arsenic in Drinking Water
Consuming large amounts of water containing arsenic can increase the risk of bladder cancer. You or your immediate family members having a history of bladder cancer in your family can reflect inherited risk or exposure to a specific environment.
Bladder Cancer Diagnosis
Initial Symptoms & Check-up
Step 1: Initial Symptoms & Check-up
Blood in the urine, painful urination, or increased frequency leads you to visit your doctor or urologist for assessment.
Your role: Share any changes you’ve noticed openly.
Bladder Cancer Treatment & Therapy
Chemotherapy
- What it does
- Kills rapidly growing bladder cancer cells throughout the body.
- Treated for
- Muscle-invasive or metastatic bladder cancer, or before surgery to shrink tumors.
- Recovery
- Given in cycles; may cause hair loss, fatigue, and infection risk; needs regular monitoring.
Targeted Therapy
- What it does
- Attacks specific cancer-driving molecules to slow tumor growth.
- Treated for
- Advanced bladder cancers with mutations like FGFR.
- Common medications
- Erdafitinib, Enfortumab vedotin
- Recovery
- Personalized to tumor type; fewer side effects than traditional chemo.
Immunotherapy
- What it does
- Boosts immune response to detect and attack cancer cells.
- Used for
- Advanced or treatment-resistant bladder cancer.
- Drugs used
- Atezolizumab, Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab.
- Recovery
- May cause fatigue or inflammation-related symptoms; monitored for immune response.
Recovery
Bladder Preservation
- Bladder-sparing procedures like TURBT with intravesical treatment where needed.
Regular Checkups
- Cystoscopy and urinalysis regularly every few months to identify early recurrence.
Rehabilitation Support
- Pelvic floor exercises and continence management post-surgery or radiation.
Why Choose Everhope For Bladder Cancer?
At Everhope Oncology, we believe that bladder cancer is not merely an illness—it's an individual experience. With our experienced diagnostics, caring attention, and innovative therapies, we're committed to walking with you every step of the way toward healing and hope.
- 11K
- deaths every year in India
- 85K
- new cases globally every year
- 17th
- most common malignancy in India
Explore Our Latest Updates
Questions
FAQs on Bladdar Cancer
No question is too small when it comes to your care
Is all bladder cancer the same?
No, it can vary from non-invasive (early stage) to muscle-invasive (serious) and both types require different treatment.
Can bladder cancer return after treatment?
Yes, bladder cancer is highly recurrent, which is why lifelong monitoring is necessary.
Does blood in urine always indicate cancer?
Not always, but it is a major warning sign that must never be disregarded—it can also signal infections or stones.
Can women have bladder cancer as well?
Yes, although more prevalent in men, women do get bladder cancer and tend to be diagnosed later because of overlapping symptoms.
Will I have my bladder taken out?
Not always. Some cancers in the early stages can be cured without having the bladder removed by using intravesical treatments.
Is bladder cancer treatable?
Most cases, particularly if detected early, are very treatable and curable with appropriate therapy combinations.
Find a Hospital Near You
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Ghatkopar West
Silver Point, 7th Floor, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Kasturi Park, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai 400086
Mon to Sun, 9am to 9pm
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Andheri West
2nd Floor, New Link Road, above Axis Bank, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053
Mon to Sun, 9am to 9pm
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Thane
Ground Floor, Amber Arcade, below Waviker Eye Institute, Majiwada, Thane 400601
Mon to Sun, 24 hrs
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Chembur
6th Floor, 604 Business Point, DK Sandu Marg, Chembur, Mumbai 400071
Mon to Sun, 9am to 9pm
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Vashi
Clinic 51, 4th Floor, Shanti Center, Sector 17, Vashi, Navi Mumbai 400703
Mon to Sat, 11:30am to 9pm
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Charni Road
9th Floor, Mehta Mahal, 15 Mathew Road, Opera House, Charni Road (East), Mumbai 400004
Mon to Sun, 9am to 9pm
Everhope x SRCC Hospital, Haji Ali
1-1A, Keshavrao Khadye Marg, Haji Ali, Haji Ali Government Colony, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400034
Mon to Sun, 24 hrs
Everhope x EPIC Hospital, Ahmedabad
Rajpath Rangoli Road, behind Rajpath Club, off S.G. Highway, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad 380059
Mon to Sun, 9am to 9pm
Everhope Hospital, Gurugram (Sector 65)
EBD 65, Sector 65, Golf Course Extension Road
Mon to Sat, 8am to 8pm
Everhope Hospital, Gurugram (Sector 14)
Mehrauli-Gurgaon Rd, Anamika Enclave, Sector 14
Mon to Sat, 9am to 6pm
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Belgaum
9666A-2/D, behind BUDA Office, Ashok Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Belgaum 590016
Mon to Sun, 24 hrs