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Bladder cancer, also called urinary bladder cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in bladder tissues. The bladder is a hollow organ located in the lower abdomen. It receives urine formed by the kidneys through the two ureters and stores it until it passes out of the body during urination.

There are several types of bladder cancer depending on what cells of the bladder are involved. Types of bladder cancer include transitional cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma.

 Transitional cell carcinoma is a type of bladder cancer that starts in the cells that normally make up the inner lining of the bladder, called transitional cells. It is the most common type of bladder cancer.

 Squamous cell carcinoma, the type of bladder cancer that begins in thin, flat cells of the bladder wall.

 Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids.

The cells that form squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma often develop in the inner lining of the bladder as a result of long-term infection or irritation.

During normal processes, cells that comprise tissues divide to produce new cells. This process is needed in cases where the body needs to replace dead or worn-out cells, needed for growth of an organ, or growth of the entire individual. Sometimes this process can go wrong wherein abnormal cells divide when the body does not need them. As a result, these abnormal cells can form a mass called a growth or a tumor.

Sometimes, cancer cells may go out of the organ where they started and can cause cancer in other parts of the body. This spreading of cancer is called metastasis.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), in the United States, bladder cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in men with an estimated 38000 cases each year. It is lower in females, affecting about 15,000 each year making it the eighth most common type of cancer in females in the United States.

Who are at risk for bladder cancer?

Although the actual cause of bladder cancer still remains unclear, studies have shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely to develop the disease than others. A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a disease.

Researchers have found the following risk factors for bladder cancer

 Age. The chance of getting bladder cancer goes up as people get older. People under 40 rarely get this disease.

 Smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor.

 Occupation. Some workers have a higher risk of getting bladder cancer because of carcinogens in the workplace. Carcinogen, according to the National Cancer Institute, is defined as any substance that causes cancer. Workers in the rubber, chemical, and leather industries are at risk. So are hairdressers, machinists, metal workers, printers, painters, textile workers, and truck drivers.

 Infections. Being infected with certain parasites increases the risk of bladder cancer. These parasites are common in tropical areas but not in the United States.

 Treatment with cyclophosphamide or arsenic. These drugs are used to treat cancer and some other conditions. They raise the risk of bladder cancer.

 Race. Whites get bladder cancer twice as often as African Americans and Hispanics. The lowest rates are among Asians.

 Being a man. Men are two to three times more likely than women to get bladder cancer.

 Family history. People with family members who have bladder cancer are more likely to get the disease. Researchers are studying changes in certain genes that may increase the risk of bladder cancer.

 Personal history of bladder cancer. People who have had bladder cancer have an increased chance of getting the disease again.

Most people who have these risk factors do not get bladder cancer. On the other hand, people who do get the disease have no known risk factors. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this concern with their doctor. The doctor may be able to suggest ways to reduce the risk and can plan an appropriate schedule for checkups.

What are the signs or symptoms of bladder cancer?

The common symptoms of bladder cancer include

 Blood in the urine (hematuria),

 Pain during urination, and

 Frequent urination, or feeling the need to urinate without results.

Often, these signs or symptoms do not mean that a person has bladder cancer. They may be signs of another health problem or condition. For example, infections, benign tumors, bladder stones, or other problems also can cause these signs or symptoms. A person with any of these symptoms should see a doctor so that any problem can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

How is bladder cancer treated? What is the treatment for bladder cancer?

Treatment of bladder cancer depends on the stage of cancer, whether cancer has spread to other organs, and the person’s general health and age. The earlier bladder cancer has been detected, the better the chances of survival. There are several treatment options for bladder cancer, which a doctor can recommend or discuss with the patient. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or biologic therapy. Biologic therapy boosts your body's own ability to fight cancer.

Resources:
Bladder Cancer (n.d.). National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH). http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/bladder (Accessed on October 21, 2009)

Bladder Cancer (October 2009). MedlinePlus. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health (NIH). http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bladdercancer.html (Accessed on October 21, 2009)

What You Need To Know About™: Bladder Cancer (September 2002). National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH). http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/bladder (Accessed on October 21, 2009)

Cancer: The Leading Cause of Death Worldwide. Associated Content.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2305109/cancer_the_leading_cause_of_death_worldwide.html (Accessed on October 21, 2009)

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