Information about bladder cancer
Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal cancerous cells grow uncontrollably in the lining of the bladder.
There are different types of bladder cancer: urothelial carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
Symptoms
Most common symptoms of bladder cancer include:
- burning sensation when passing urine
- blood in urine
- problems emptying the bladder
- lower abdominal or back pain
- frequent urination.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical attention immediately if the above symptoms persist.
The causes of bladder cancer include:
- smoking
- exposure to certain chemicals used in textile and rubber industries
- use of the chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide
- past radiation exposure
- diabetes
- family history.
Tests and procedures used to diagnose bladder cancer include:
- cystoscopy – a procedure that allows the physicians to examine the inside of the bladder
- biopsy – a procedure to collect a cell sample for testing
- imaging tests – CT scan, X-ray
- blood tests
- urine tests.
After a diagnosis is confirmed, an expert multidisciplinary team will conduct a detailed clinical assessment.
Your case will be presented at a multidisciplinary team meeting with collaborative discussion about the best possible treatment and outcomes for the case specific to your tumour. After the meeting, your specialists will meet with you to discuss their recommendations and provide a detailed explanation of possible treatment options.
The final decision regarding the treatment and care plan is made in consultation with you. Cancer specialists work collaboratively to develop an individualised care plan for you and they are supported by oncology nurses and allied health professionals.
Treatment for bladder cancer varies depending on the type of bladder cancer, stage and grade of the tumour. Most common treatment types include:
- surgery – transurethral resection to remove cancerous tissue
- immunotherapy
- chemotherapy
- radiation therapy.
Prevention of bladder cancer includes quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to certain chemicals.
The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences is currently running several clinical trials that are evaluating new treatments for bladder cancer.