What is Bladder Cancer? Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Methods

What is Bladder Cancer? What are the Diagnosis and Treatment Methods?

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when healthy cells on the inner surface of the bladder deteriorate and multiply uncontrollably and abnormally. It usually starts in the inner layer of the bladder wall and, if left untreated, can spread to other regions of the body. The most significant risk factors include smoking, exposure to chemical substances, and chronic bladder infections. The diagnosis of bladder cancer is generally established through urinalysis, cystoscopy, and biopsy. Treatment options include methods such as surgical interventions, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.

What is Bladder Cancer?

This condition is a type of cancer that typically begins in the interior part of the bladder. The bladder is a small, hollow organ that holds urine. These cancerous cells begin to affect the normal function of the bladder and can spread to surrounding organs. Bladder cancer may recur after treatment, therefore regular physician check-ups are important for early detection.

What Are the Symptoms of Bladder Cancer?

The presence of blood in the urine is the most common symptom of bladder cancer. However, the presence of blood in the urine can also stem from different conditions and may not be a definitive sign of bladder cancer. Sometimes blood becomes visible or is microscopic and may only be discovered during a routine laboratory test or a test requested after the patient reports other urinary symptoms. Bladder cancer symptoms may include:

Blood in the Urine (Hematuria): This is one of the most common symptoms. The urine color may be pink, red, or dark brown. This condition sometimes occurs intermittently. Bleeding is usually painless, therefore patients may not notice blood in their urine. In some cases, blood can only be seen under a microscope.

Burning or Pain During Urination: This condition is a significant symptom of bladder cancer. It may stem from the presence of tumors causing irritation in the urinary tract. The sensation of burning or pain makes the process of urination quite uncomfortable.

Frequent Urination: The need to urinate frequently is one of the symptoms of bladder cancer. A decrease in bladder capacity and tumors taking up space can trigger the need for frequent urination. This condition negatively affects patients' daily life and causes discomfort. Frequent waking up to urinate during the night (nocturia) may be observed.

Lower Abdominal and Back Pain: Pain in the lower abdominal region or back becomes more pronounced as bladder cancer progresses. This pain may stem from the pressure caused by tumors spreading deep into the bladder wall.

Feeling of Incomplete Bladder Emptying: The feeling of being unable to completely empty the bladder is commonly observed in advanced stages of bladder cancer. The presence of tumors inside the bladder can restrict urine flow and make it difficult to completely empty the bladder. This condition can cause a constant feeling of discomfort and the need for frequent urination.

Weight Loss and General Fatigue: Weight Loss and general fatigue are symptoms of advanced-stage bladder cancer. Due to the widespread effects of cancer on the body, loss of appetite and weight loss may be experienced. Additionally, a constant feeling of fatigue and weakness makes patients' daily activities difficult.

Persistent Bladder Infections: A bladder infection that does not resolve after antibiotic treatment can be a symptom of bladder cancer.

How is Bladder Cancer Diagnosed?

Various tests and methods are used to diagnose bladder cancer:

Urine Tests: Urinalysis is performed to determine whether there is blood in the urine (hematuria). Additionally, the detection of specific biomarkers for bladder cancer in the urine may also be investigated.

Cystoscopy: This is the most common diagnostic method. A thin tube with a camera at the end (cystoscope) is passed through the urethra to reach the bladder. Through this, the physician can directly view the interior of the bladder and detect abnormal tissues.

Biopsy: To confirm the cancer diagnosis, tissue samples taken during cystoscopy are examined under a microscope by a pathologist.

Imaging Tests: Methods such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, and positron emission tomography (PET) are used to determine the spread and stage of the cancer.

Urine Cytology: Cancer cells are investigated by examining cells shed in the urine under a microscope.

Ureteroscopy and Pyelogram: This allows the examination of the ureters and kidneys. Spread outside the bladder is evaluated.

What Are the Treatment Methods for Bladder Cancer?

The treatment process is planned according to the stage and type of cancer:

Surgical Intervention: Transurethral resection (TUR) is applied in early stages. In advanced stages, the bladder can be completely removed via radical cystectomy.

Chemotherapy: It can be applied before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after surgery (adjuvant). It can also be used alone in advanced stages.

Radiotherapy: Cancer cells are targeted with high-energy rays. It can be combined with chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy: BCG vaccine can be administered into the bladder. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are used systemically.

When is Surgical Intervention Necessary in Bladder Cancer Treatment?

Surgical intervention is preferred depending on the stage and location of the cancer. TUR is applied in early stages, and radical cystectomy is applied in advanced stages. Surgery aims to completely remove the cancer.

What is the Recovery Process Like After Bladder Cancer Surgeries?

The recovery process varies depending on the type of surgery. In minimally invasive surgeries, returning to daily life is possible in a short time. The recovery process after radical cystectomy may be prolonged. The process of getting used to new urinary tracts, infection control, and physician follow-up are important during this process.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is more common in advanced age and men. Smoking and exposure to chemicals are among the risk factors.

Smoking is the primary cause. Chemicals, age, genetic predisposition, and chronic infections are among other causes.

Quitting smoking, protection from chemicals, and treatment of infections are among preventive measures.

Diagnosis is established through urine tests, cystoscopy, biopsy, and imaging methods.

It can be, but it may also be related to other health problems. Expert evaluation is required.

Thyroid ablation treatment is generally not applied during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Energy sources used in the ablation procedure (such as radiofrequency or microwave) may carry potential risks for the fetus or the breastfed infant. Therefore, different treatment methods are evaluated for women experiencing thyroid nodule problems during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Drug therapy is generally preferred for women with thyroid disease during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, since each patient's condition is different, the treatment plan must definitely be evaluated by an endocrinologist.

Bladder cancer is a serious disease carrying the risk of recurrence. Therefore, regular check-ups should not be neglected. If you are experiencing symptoms of bladder cancer, you can fill out the form below for early diagnosis and treatment or make an appointment from our Urology Outpatient Clinic.