What Is Bladder Cancer? 

Bladder Cancer develops in the tissues present in the bladder, the organ in which our body holds the urine.  A medical history of cancer in the family, a weak immune system, daily habits, poor diet and smoking, can also be some of the many reasons behind bladder cancer.

Did you know?

Majority of bladder cancer cases usually occur in people who are of 55 and older.

Types Of Bladder Cancer :

 1. Transitional cell bladder

This is one of the most common types of bladder cancer, which develops from the cells located in the bladder lining (urothelium). These cells(transitional cells) are exposed to waste products in the urine, which may lead to causing cancer for example chemicals from cigarette smoke.

Transitional cell bladder can develop and also showcase different symptoms. Hence, it is very important to know whether if cancer (has not reached the deeper layers of the bladder), or invasive cancer (present in the deep layers of the bladder), to get the most effective treatment for both, as the treatments generally vary according to the current stage of cancer.

2. Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

Early bladder cancers (Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer), this is when the cancer is only present in the lining of the bladder, which means cancer hasn’t reached the deep layers of the bladder wall.

The early bladder cancer usually appears as small growth(s), which appear like mushrooms. They are known to grow out of the bladders lining, which are known as papillary bladder cancer. These growths are removed by the surgeon and chances are they may never appear again.

But, a few non-muscle invasives (superficial bladder cancers) are known to come back, which included carcinoma and high-grade T1(size of a tumour) tumours.

3. CIS

Unlike early cancer(s), CIS is known to be flat in shape and they don’t grow out of the bladder wall.  CIS cancer cells appear to look very abnormal and are known to grow and spread rapidly. This type of cancer is high grade. There are chances of resurfacing of this type of cancer repeatedly if not treated with caution.

4. Invasive bladder cancer

Transitional cell bladder cancer can become invasive over a period of time, which means it can grow deeper into the muscle layer of the bladder, or even further.

Invasive bladder cancer requires a much more intensive treatment compared to early bladder cancer. This is only because there could be a possibility of cancer spreading to the other parts in the body.

5. High-grade T1 Tumours

T1 tumours are also known as superficial cancers which have grown from the lining of the bladder, into the lamina propria (layer underneath the bladder). High-grade T1 tumours are known to grow and spread very quickly.

6. Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cells (are flat cells which make up moist, skin-like tissues that line our body’s organs). This specific type of bladder cancer starts developing from the squamous cells. And, about 5 out of every 100(5%) bladder cancers are known to be squamous cell cancers, which are usually invasive (have spread to the deep layers of the bladder).

7. Adenocarcinoma

This type of cancer is considered to be rare. It usually begins with glandular cells(cells which make up the mucus-secreting glands in our bladder) form in the bladder after irritation in the bladder, and also due to inflammation which has been festering for a long time in the bladder.

Causes Of Bladder Cancer :

The original cause of bladder cancer is still unknown, but it normally occurs when cells present inside the bladder grow abnormally and multiply quickly. After which, these cells start to invade other tissues, which gradually results in bladder cancer.

Here a few causes of bladder cancer to occur in the body:

• Exposing yourself to cancer-causing chemicals
• Bladder infections
• Low-liquids consumption
• A diet which consists of high-fat
• The family history of bladder cancer
• If you have undergone previous radiation therapy to treat cancer in the pelvic region

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer :

There are a number of symptoms which occur during bladder cancer. It is always best to discuss this with your doctor if you have never experienced these symptoms before, to help avoid any unnecessary complications from affecting your health.

Here are a few symptoms which indicate that there is bladder cancer in the body:  

• Blood or blood clots can be visible in the urine
• Pain or burning sensation felt while urination
• Feel the urge to urinate quite often throughout the night
• Frequently feel the urge to urinate, but are unable to pass urine
• Feel back pain on one side of the body
• Unable to control urination
• Frequent pain in the abdomen
• The pain felt in the lower back

If you are complaining about any of these symptoms listed above, then it is best to Consult Your Doctor to gain clarity why these symptoms might be occurring. There can also be a possibility of it not being cancer, but by consulting a medical professional you will always be on the safer side.

If you still have any concerns or questions regarding bladder cancer, then feel free to Book an Appointment online or directly walk-in to Vinn Hospitals. Our Experienced Urologists will be glad to assist you in suggesting the most effective treatment which is suitable for you.

About the Hospital:

Vinn Multi Speciality Hospital has been providing comprehensive treatments and cares for its patients, with the best in class doctors, specialists and support staff. Our teams and units are dedicated in their cause to ensure optimum health for all our patients. Vinn Hospital has the best, state-of-the-art Facilities, which treat an array of diseases and disorders all under one roof.