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The bladder is a hollow, balloon-like organ that collects urine from your kidneys through tubes
known as the ureters. This stored urine is emptied through the urethra when you urinate.
Why be concerned with bladder cancer?
In the United States, approximately
55,000 new cases of bladder cancer are reported each year. For patients diagnosed and treated
early in the progression of the disease, the outlook is very good.
Are there any risk factors for bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer often is
associated with cigarette smoking and exposure to certain industrial chemicals found in dye,
rubber, leather, textile, paint or print. The disease occurs more often in people over the age of 60.
Are there warning signs?
Blood in the urine is usually the first symptom. The
urine may look bright red or rust colored and the degree of bleeding may vary. Frequent urination,
painful urination and a constant urge to urinate are also symptoms of bladder cancer.
How is bladder cancer treated?
Treatment is based on the type and stage
of your cancer, your age, and your general physical and emotional health. Bladder cancer can
be treated with surgery, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Surgery may involve
either a minimally invasive procedure known as a transurethral resection of the bladder that
removes superficial tumors or a cystectomy with removal of a portion or the entire bladder and
its surrounding organs. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) an immunotherapy attracts the normal cells
of the immune system to the bladder where the immune cells then destroy bladder cancer cells. Radiation
therapy uses high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy uses strong drugs to kill
cancer cells. Chemotherapy may include one drug or a combination of drugs.
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