Bladder Cancer In Nagpur

Bladder cancer is a prevalent form of cancer that originates in the cells of the bladder, a hollow, muscular organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine.

This type of cancer typically starts in the urothelial cells, which line the interior of the bladder. Urothelial cells are also present in the kidneys and the ureters, the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. While urothelial cancer can occur in the kidneys and ureters, it is far more common in the bladder.

Bladder cancers are frequently diagnosed at an early stage when they are highly treatable. However, even early-stage bladder cancers have a tendency to recur after successful treatment. Consequently, individuals with bladder cancer usually require follow-up tests for several years post-treatment to monitor for any recurrence of the cancer.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of bladder cancer may include:

Blood in the urine (hematuria), which can make the urine appear bright red or cola-colored; however, sometimes the urine looks normal, and the blood is only detected through a lab test.
Frequent urination.
Painful urination.
Back pain.

What causes bladder cancer?

Healthcare providers and researchers have yet to pinpoint the exact reasons why some bladder cells mutate and become cancerous. However, they have identified numerous risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing bladder cancer:

Cigarette smoke: Smoking cigarettes more than doubles the risk of bladder cancer. Smoking pipes and cigars, as well as exposure to second-hand smoke, may also elevate the risk.
Radiation exposure: Undergoing radiation therapy for cancer treatment can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer.
Chemotherapy: Certain chemotherapy drugs have been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer.
Exposure to specific chemicals: Research indicates that individuals who work with certain chemicals used in dyes, rubber, leather, paint, some textiles, and hairdressing supplies may face a higher risk.
Frequent bladder infections: Those who frequently experience bladder infections, bladder stones, or other urinary tract infections may have an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma.
Chronic catheter use: Individuals who require the use of a catheter in their bladder for extended periods may be at risk for squamous cell carcinoma.

Types of bladder cancer

Bladder cancer can develop from different types of cells within the bladder, and the specific cell type where the cancer originates influences the treatment options. The main types of bladder cancer are:

Urothelial Carcinoma: Formerly known as transitional cell carcinoma, this type originates in the urothelial cells that line the interior of the bladder. These cells stretch when the bladder is full and contract when it is empty. Urothelial carcinoma is the most prevalent form of bladder cancer in the United States and can also occur in the ureters and urethra.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type of cancer is linked to chronic bladder irritation, such as from a long-term infection or prolonged use of a urinary catheter. Squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder is uncommon in the United States but is more frequently seen in regions where bladder infections caused by the parasitic infection schistosomiasis are prevalent.
Adenocarcinoma: This rare form of bladder cancer begins in the mucus-secreting glandular cells of the bladder. Adenocarcinoma of the bladder is very rare.

How do healthcare providers treat bladder cancer?

Surgical Treatments for Bladder Cancer

Surgery is a common treatment for bladder cancer, with options chosen based on the cancer stage. Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is often used both for diagnosing and treating bladder cancer that hasn’t spread. In TURBT, healthcare providers either remove the tumor or burn it away using high-energy electricity, a process known as fulguration.

For more advanced cases, a radical cystectomy might be necessary. This procedure involves removing the bladder and surrounding organs. It is typically done when the cancer has spread outside the bladder or when there are multiple early-stage tumors within the bladder. In men and individuals assigned male at birth (DMAB), this surgery also involves removing the prostate and seminal vesicles. In women and individuals assigned female at birth (DFAB), it includes removing the ovaries, uterus, and part of the vagina. To enable urination post-surgery, providers perform urinary diversion.

Post-surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be administered to eliminate any remaining cancer cells, a strategy known as adjuvant therapy.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves using drugs that kill cancer cells. One method, intravesical therapy, delivers chemotherapy drugs directly into the bladder through a tube inserted via the urethra. This approach targets cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy leverages the immune system to combat cancer cells. Different types include:

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG): A vaccine that boosts the immune system.
PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitor therapy: PD-1 is a protein on T-cells that helps regulate immune responses, while PD-L1 is a protein on some cancer cells. When PD-1 and PD-L1 connect, they prevent T-cells from killing cancer cells. Inhibitor therapy blocks this connection, allowing T-cells to destroy the cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy can be an alternative to surgery, often combined with TURBT and chemotherapy. This treatment might be recommended instead of bladder removal surgery, depending on tumor growth and characteristics.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy focuses on genetic changes that convert healthy cells into cancerous ones. For instance, FGFR gene inhibitors target cells with specific gene alterations that promote cancer growth.

Prevention

While there’s no certain way to prevent bladder cancer, you can take steps to help reduce your risk:

Avoid Smoking: If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, seek advice from your doctor on how to quit. Support groups, medications, and other methods can assist you in stopping.
Handle Chemicals Safely: If you work with chemicals, adhere strictly to all safety instructions to minimize exposure.
Eat a Healthy Diet: Incorporate a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables into your diet. The antioxidants in these foods may help lower your cancer risk.

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