Bladder cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer found in men, but the disease is less common in women. The American Cancer Society estimates one in 28 men will develop the disease in their lifetime.
Bladder cancer begins in the bladder cells (or urothelial cells) that line the inside of the bladder, kidneys and ureter tubes. Most bladder cancers are caught at an early stage, when the cancer is highly treatable. However, early-stage bladder cancers can come back after being successfully treated, so frequent follow-up tests are recommended for most patients.
What are Common Signs of Bladder Cancer?
Common signs of bladder cancer include:
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Frequent or painful urination
- Back pain
Risk factors of bladder cancer include, but aren’t limited to: smoking, aging, exposure to certain chemicals, chronic bladder inflammation, family history of cancer, previous cancer treatments and gender.
What Types of Bladder Cancer are There?
Urothelial Carcinoma:
Previously referred to as Transitional Cell Carcinoma, Urothelial Carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer in the U.S. The disease develops in the cells that line the inside of the bladder, ureters and urethra. These cells expand when the bladder is full and contract as the bladder is emptied.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
Often linked to chronic irritation of the bladder, Squamous Cell Carcinoma cancer is a rare form of bladder cancer in the U.S. For many patients, the cancer develops due to an infection or long-term use of a urinary catheter. The disease is more common in parts of the world where schistosomiasis, a type of parasitic infection, causes bladder infections.
Adenocarcinoma:
Adenocarcinoma is an incredibly rare form of bladder cancer. The disease targets mucus-secreting glands in the bladder and the cells that comprise them.
How do I Prevent Bladder Cancer?
While most bladder cancer treatments are successful, Arkansas Urology urges individuals to take a few, simple steps in reducing their risk of developing bladder cancer altogether.
- Don’t smoke, and if you do, stop smoking.
- Take extra precautions and wear proper protective gear when working around chemicals.
- Eat a variety of fruit and vegetables in your diet.
Don’t live in discomfort or let an unseen disease take further hold on your wellbeing. Expert urologists and state-of-the-art care is closer than you think.
Arkansas Urology strives to provide each and every patient with nondiscriminatory, life-changing bladder cancer care. For more information on access, visit our FAQ section. Schedule an appointment with Arkansas Urology to receive advanced treatment today!
Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us today or book your appointment online. We look forward to seeing you soon.
