It is important to seek a medical opinion if you suspect bladder cancer. This article will outline the most common causes of the disease, as well as treatment options. Hopefully, this information will make your condition less frightening.
Screening tests can identify cancer in women early. These tests are not intended to diagnose bladder cancer, but if abnormalities are detected during screening tests, more specific examinations should be conducted. Screening tests are generally performed at regular intervals. Most commonly used tests include a history, physical exam, and urinalysis. A cystoscopy is also sometimes performed to look for the presence of cancer. Depending on the location and symptoms of the disease, the health-care professional may recommend additional tests.
After a bladder cancer diagnosis, treatment options will vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Low-grade tumors are treated conservatively, with intravesical agents sometimes given selectively to reduce the risk of recurrence. High-grade tumors, meanwhile, are treated aggressively with radical cystectomy or trimodality therapy. While the cancer-fighting treatments described above are the most common for a small proportion of patients, they are not the only ones who will experience side effects.
The first step in treating bladder cancer is finding out whether it is invasive or noninvasive. The cancer cells may not spread to the deeper layers of the bladder, but they may still invade nearby organs. If the cancer cells break off from the main tumor, they can migrate to the lymph nodes and bones. Once in the lymphatic system, they can travel to other parts of the body, including the lungs and liver. Depending on the stage of the disease, bladder cancer can be classified into one of four stages: superficial, invasive, or invasive.
The symptoms of bladder cancer are often nonspecific and may be associated with many other conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for a medical evaluation. Some of these symptoms may be a sign of a more severe problem, such as kidney failure or urinary tract infection. People who regularly consume alcoholic beverages or who smoke may be at higher risk. The most common symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in the urine, burning while urinating, frequent urination, and incomplete emptying.
In addition to symptoms, there are some other important factors to consider when deciding on bladder cancer treatment. A high-grade tumor is more likely to spread or recur. A high-grade tumor has a high chance of spreading and may be aggressive. Therefore, the first step in treatment is finding out what kind of cancer you have. It’s important to know the type of cancer you have, since a high-grade tumor will have more aggressive behavior than a low-grade tumor.
