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Bladder cancer: How Early Can You Spot It?

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Bladder cancer: How Early Can You Spot It?

Renal Sciences | by Dr. Pankaj Kumar Gupta | Published on 25/10/2024



The word 'cancer' often stirs up fear among us, but not ignoring the signs and taking the right action can replace uncertainty with hope and better outcomes. 

The bladder is a hollow organ located in the lower part of your abdomen. The prime function of the bladder is to store urine. The bladder works with the kidneys to remove toxins from your body. Bladder cancer, though not discussed much, is one of the most detectable cancers in its early stages. It occurs when the abnormal cells in the bladder start growing uncontrollably and may spread to nearby tissues or organs. If detected early, it offers a good chance of recovery. If you're experiencing any such problem, don't ignore it. Contact our best Urologist or Oncologist at CMRI Hospital, Kolkata today for expert consultation and treatment.

Types of Bladder Cancer

5 warning signs of bladder cancer 

Early detection and intervention can significantly improve the treatment outcomes of bladder cancer. Check for these five warning signs:

  1. Blood in Urine: Haematuria, or blood in urine, is the most common symptom. The urine may appear red, pink, or dark brown. It is usually ignored by people as it is generally painless and may come and go. 
  2. Frequent Urination: If you are urinating more often than usual or have a strong urge to urinate even if your bladder is not full, this may be a warning sign. 
  3. Pain While Urinating: Persistent discomfort, pain, or burning sensation during urination might be a sign of bladder cancer.
  4. Unusual Weight Loss and Fatigue: Although these are less common symptoms, they can occur in advanced stages. 
  5. Pelvic and Lower Back Pain: This generally happens if the cancer has spread to other body parts. 

The above symptoms of bladder cancer are similar to some other less serious conditions as well. Therefore, you should consult your doctor to check for the actual problem. Early intervention can help in better treatment and results. 

How is bladder cancer diagnosed? 

Diagnosis of bladder cancer involves multiple steps. Your doctor may start with a urinalysis and then cytology and cystoscopy may be performed. Below is a brief understanding of these procedures.

Urinalysis: This is done to detect blood or abnormal cells in your urine and to rule out infection.

Cytology: This procedure examines the cells under a microscope and checks if there are any abnormalities in the cells. This test alone could not confirm the possibility of bladder cancer, and therefore, your doctor can prescribe a cystoscopy. 

Cystoscopy: In this procedure, a thin tube with a camera known as a cystoscope will be inserted into the bladder via the urethra. This helps in visually inspecting tumours. 

Further diagnostic tests might include: 

Imaging procedures such as a CT scan or MRI to check for the spread of a tumour.

  • Biopsy to confirm the cancer by taking out some tissue from the bladder for analysis.
  • According to a study done by the American Cancer Society, bladder cancer constitutes about 4% of cancers in the US. Early detection and treatment improve the chances of survival. 

Risk Factors 

Bladder cancer is more common in older adults, with men being at higher risk than women. In India, bladder cancer accounts for around 3.9% of cancer cases among males, according to the National Cancer Registry Program (ICMR).

Smoking alone can increase the risk of bladder cancer by 2-3 times. Other risk factors include:

  • Exposure to harmful chemicals.
  • Chronic bladder infections.
  • A family history of cancer. 

We understand that the treatment of cancer can be overwhelming for the patient as well as their loved ones. At CK Birla Hospital, Kolkata, we combine comprehensive cancer care with advanced diagnostics, personalised treatment plans, and compassionate support throughout your treatment journey. To get a second opinion or for any concerns reach out to us.

Conclusion

If detected early, the treatment of bladder cancer provides good chances of recovery and survival. Being aware of the warning signs and undergoing regular screenings can help detect the potential risk. This can help in timely diagnosis and treatment without causing further delays. Now that many advanced treatment options are available for bladder cancer, there is more hope and chances of survival than ever before. If you experience anything unusual or any of the above symptoms, consult your healthcare provider immediately. 

FAQs


Is bladder cancer treatable?

  • Yes, bladder cancer can be treated if detected in the early stage. 
  • Most cases, when caught before the cancer spreads beyond the bladder, make treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy very effective. 
  • According to the National Cancer Institute, the 5-year survival rate for early-stage bladder cancer is about 77%. 

How did I know I had bladder cancer?

  • You should check for certain symptoms, especially if they are persistent.
  • Many patients first notice blood in their urine, which prompts them to visit a doctor. 
  • Even if the blood is sporadic or there is no pain, it is advised to get it checked as soon as possible. 
  • Other symptoms like frequent urination or pelvic pain often follow.

What is the latest treatment for bladder cancer?

  • The treatment options for bladder cancer have evolved significantly, thanks to advancements in medical technology. 
  • Apart from traditional methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, immunotherapy has become a promising option nowadays. 
  • Immunotherapy is particularly helpful in advanced or recurrent bladder cancer cases. In this treatment, the body’s immune system is used to target cancer cells. 
  • Additionally, molecularly targeted therapies have emerged, aiming at specific mutations in cancer cells to prevent their growth.