System Bladder

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the bladder, a balloon-shaped organ in the pelvic area that stores urine. Is the fourth most common cancer in men and eighth most common type in women. Tumors can develop on the surface of the bladder wall or in severe cases, inside the wall and the underlying muscles. The bladder cancer usually affects older adults, but can occur at any age. Bladder tumors are from 2 to 3 times more common in men.

The causes of bladder cancer
Smoking, sex and diet can affect the risk of developing bladder cancer. Carcinomas bladder are also associated with industrial exposure to aromatic amines in dyes, paints, benzedine, nitrates, solvents, leather dust, inks, combustion products, rubber and textiles. The period between exposure to carcinogen and the development of symptoms is about 18 years.

Evidence currently limited diet plays a role in the development of bladder cancer, but a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fat may help reduce risk. The urinary tract infections, kidney and bladder stones, and other causes of chronic bladder irritation have been linked to bladder cancer (carcinoma cell carcinoma, especially of the bladder), but not necessarily cause bladder cancer.

Signs of Bladder Cancer
In the former cases about 25% of patients have no symptoms. Usually the first sign of bladder tumors is the blood in the urine, pain after urination, urinary frequency and drip. However, these signs and symptoms are not specific to bladder cancer, and can also be caused by noncancerous conditions such as infections of the prostate and cystitis.

Bladder Cancer Types
Cancers are divided into superficial and invasive disease. Superficial bladder cancer is limited to coatings interior of the bladder. Invasive bladder cancer has at least penetrated the muscle layer of the bladder wall. Less than 5% of bladder cancers in the United States are squamous cell carcinomas, but worldwide this is the most common, 75% of bladder carcinomas in underdeveloped countries. Urothelial carcinoma (transitional cell carcinoma) is by far the most common type of bladder cancer in the United States.

Bladder Cancer Diagnosis
The bladder cancer is usually curable if diagnosed when the cancer is still contained in the bladder, and up to 80% of tumors are diagnosed at this stage initial. A biopsy for bladder cancer is usually done during cystoscopy. CT and ultrasound scans, urine tests and angiography may also be done.

Treatment for bladder cancer
Treatments for bladder cancer include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and biological therapy. Stage and grade of cancer provides important information and can help guide treatment. Superficial bladder tumors are surgically removed with chemotherapy that is added to the treatment regimen to help prevent recurrence. Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion (an external bag) is generally to invasive cancer bladder.

Several new compounds have shown activity against transitional cell cancer of the bladder and are now being tested in trials of chemotherapy combination. BCG, immunotherapy, intravesical therapy is most effective and that an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis. Immunotherapy in the form of BCG instillation also used to treat and prevent recurrence of superficial tumors. Alternative treatments for bladder cancer, such as herbal therapy can also be some benefit.

Risk Reduction
Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of getting bladder cancer and if you have been diagnosed with cancer superficial bladder, stopping smoking reduces the risk of developing more tumors in the future. Bladder cancer has a recurrence rate of 50% -80% and therefore, physicians recommend cystoscopy screening every three months during the first two years after treatment. People who drink plenty of fluids each day have lower rates of cancer bladder.

Survival Rates
The outcome depends on the stage of cancer, either superficial or invasive bladder cancer, and whether it has spread to other body parts. Superficial bladder cancer has a good prognosis and 5-year survival of 82-100%. If a tumor has grown into the bladder wall, but has not spread to other organs, treatment usually involves surgical removal of tumor or chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy, with a survival rate of five years of 60% to 75%. Patients with more deeply invasive tumors, which are also usually less well differentiated, and those with lymphovascular invasion experience 5-year survival of 30% to 50% after radical cystectomy.

About the Author:

Dick Aronson has a background of over 35 years in various facets of the Healthcare industry. He set up and ran clinical trials in more than 20 countries and he has also founded a number of small private health related businesses. Dick now runs a number of informative health websites Go" target="_blank">www.healthinnovationsonline.com/">Go to Health Innovations Online and Go to Cancer Information Online

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Cancer In The Bladder: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

System Bladder

System Bladder