Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer that begins in the lining of the bladder, a small, hollow organ responsible for storing urine. Although it can often be treated successfully, bladder cancer has a high recurrence rate, meaning it may return even after treatment. This makes regular follow-up care crucial for anyone diagnosed with the disease.
How Common Is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer is the 4th most common cancer in men and is 4 times more likely to affect men than women. Women are often diagnosed later because blood in urine (hematuria), the most common early symptom, is sometimes mistaken for gynecological issues.
Types of Bladder Cancer
There are various types of bladder cancer. Each particular type is named for the cells that line the wall of your bladder where the cancer is ongoing. Bladder cancer types include:
Urothelial carcinoma
This cancer begins in the urothelial cells, which line the urethra, bladder, ureters, renal pelvis, and some other organs. Nearly all bladder cancers are urothelial carcinomas. As these cells can change their shape, they are labelled as transitional cells. When the bladder is full of urine, these cells can stretch and shrink when it is emptied.
Other types of bladder cancer
- Squamous cell carcinoma: A cancer that begins in squamous cells (thin, flat cells lining the inside of the bladder). When chronic irritation occurs, transitional cells that line the bladder can gradually transform into squamous cells.
- Adenocarcinoma: A cancer that starts in glandular cells that are located in the lining of the bladder. Glandular cells in the bladder produce mucus and other substances.
- Small cell carcinoma of the bladder: A cancer that begins in neuroendocrine cells (nerve-like cells that release hormones into the blood in response to a signal from the nervous system).
Bladder Cancer Risk Factors
Several factors increase the risk of developing bladder cancer, including:
- Tobacco use, especially cigarette smoking
- Family history of bladder cancer
- Occupational exposure to paints, dyes, metals, and petroleum products
- Previous radiation therapy
- Chronic bladder infections
Symptoms
Bladder cancer symptoms can vary, but often include:
- Blood in urine
- Painful urination
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Urinary incontinence
- Fatigue or unexplained weight loss
- Bone pain (if cancer has spread)