Bladder cancer – The deadly growth

Before talking about bladder cancer it is important to know what exactly a bladder is and how it is related to the other vital organs of the body. The bladder is basically a balloon like organ where the urine gets collected, which comes from the kidney and via the tubes called urethras and urethra. So basically bladder is connected to the kidney which is a very important organ of the human body. Each year roughly nine thousand Americans are affected by bladder cancer and it is known to be more common in men than in women.

Symptoms: Following are some of the obvious symptoms that you can see in bladder cancer. These symptoms are some hints for the disease – • Blood in the urine which is also known as Haematuria is a common symptom in bladder cancer. There is unlikely to be any pain and can occur suddenly. The color of the urine changes and it can be rust in color. • Formation of blood clots that can obstruct the flow of urine. It must be noted that Haematuria is not a one hundred percent indication of the disease and it should be confirmed with the doctor, so as to start the necessary treatment.

Diagnosis: The diagnosis will depend on the type and the extent of your disease and it is necessary that you refer to your urologist who will do the necessary tests and examinations that are necessary to start treatment. Initially there will be an internal examination of the rectum in men and the vagina in women. But these are some of the common tests that you may have to go through if you have been detected with blood cancer.

• Blood tests • Chest x-rays • Intravenous urogram • Cystoscopy • The IVU • CT or CAT scans • Radio active bone scans • Ultrasound scans • Not all patients with a possibility of having the illness will have to go through all these tests. It totally depends on case to case.

Different types: Most cases are called superficial and they look like tiny dots growing on the inside of the bladder. There can be single and multiple types.

Treatment: Various types of treatments can be used, and that also ultimately depends upon the type and specifications of the case. But in general these are the common treatments used – 1. Cystoscope 2. Intravesical chemotherapy 3. Surgery – cystectomy 4. Replacement of the bladder 5. Radio therepy

Thus although there are many cure measures available these days, why not take preventive measures in the beginning itself? The first and foremost thing do be done is quit cigarette smoking, which apparently is the basic cause for this disease.