Urologists may use either of these treatments depending on the stage of the cancer. Radiation to the pelvis affects the production of blood cells in the bone marrow. The effects can be significant, including extreme tiredness and an increased susceptibility to infections. Patients may experience rectal irritation, urinary problems, impotence, and bleeding.
When the cancer has spread outside of the bladder, it is called metastatic disease. This type of cancer may invade lymph nodes and distant organs. Symptoms of metastatic disease may not appear immediately. Most patients have cancer only in one area of the body, and it may spread to another part of the body. But in rare cases, the cancer may spread to distant organs. For this reason, it is vital to seek prompt medical treatment.
A medical examination may detect bladder cancer early. While screening tests are not designed to diagnose cancer, abnormalities found in these exams should be followed by more accurate tests. The most common tests include a medical interview, history and physical examination, urinalysis, and urine cytology. A cystoscopy may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis. When a diagnosis of bladder cancer is suspected, a urologist will use a variety of techniques to perform a biopsy and confirm the condition.
The progression of bladder cancer often involves changes in the DNA. DNA contains the genes responsible for controlling cell function. During tumor growth, these genes turn on oncogenes and shut down suppressor genes that control cell division, DNA repair, and cell death. These changes can be inherited or acquired, depending on the circumstances. Symptoms will vary, depending on the stage of the disease, the type of treatment, and other factors. If a tumor spreads outside the bladder, it may spread to distant organs, such as the liver or the lungs. Bladder cancer is the fifth-most common type of cancer in the United States and is responsible for about 5% of all new cases.
The incidence rate of bladder cancer has been relatively stable since 1988. It increased less than one percent a year until 2008, and then decreased to 1.1% a year. Men are more susceptible to bladder cancer than women and the cancer rate increases as people age. The highest incidence rates are among adults over 80. So, how can bladder cancer be prevented? The best prevention method is early detection and treatment. You must also know what to do if you suspect you have it.
In the United States, most cases of bladder cancer are transitional cell carcinoma, which starts in the innermost lining of the bladder. As the cancer grows, it spreads to the bladder muscle and fatty layers. It can even spread to nearby organs. All cell types of bladder cancer can spread outside the bladder. This process is known as metastasis. Cancer cells can spread to distant organs, including the liver, bones, and lymph nodes.
