Tag: bladder cancer

Uro-oncology, Urologist

Bladder cancer awareness month 2022

Dr Varinder Attri

‘ Blood in urine is ominous sign.’

Bladder cancer is 10th most commonly diagnosed cancer. Nearly 570,000 cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed annually worldwide. Majority of these patients present with blood in urine at the initial presentation. Smokers have higher risk of being diagnosed with bladder cancer than non- smokers.

Gross, Painless passage of blood along with clots in urine could be early symptom of bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer awareness month is a global campaign and is held every year in month of May to create attention regarding the bladder cancer, its symptoms and signs, to underline the importance of early detection and treatment, share the treatment stories of patients and to improve the quality of life of patients.

Smoking is the single most common preventable cause of bladder cancer.

Any person passing blood in urine should immediately get him/herself tested to a urologist. Early detection of bladder cancer or any other urological cancer leads to better survival and outcome.

Bladder cancer awareness month (1st-31st May)
Urologist

Bladder cancer

Dr Varinder Attri

What is bladder cancer?

It is the cancer of tissues in bladder, an organ that holds urine. It occurs in both sex but most commonly in elderly men after age 60 years.

What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?

Visible painless presence of blood in urine with clots is most common presentation of bladder cancer. Besides this other causes may include burning and painful micturition, frequent urination, retention urine etc. More advanced cancer can present with weight loss, fatigue, backache, loss of appetite etc.

What are the risk factors of developing bladder cancer?

Tobacco smoking is most common factor associated with future development of bladder cancer. Persons working in industries which process paint, dye, metal and petroleum products are more prone. Chronic bladder infection, radiation therapy, bladder stone disease are other risk factors. Family and genetic history also pose a risk to its development.

How to diagnose bladder cancer?

Ultrasound Abdomen or CT scan is most frequently used for its diagnosis. Final diagnosis is made with biopsy after bladder tumor resection with endoscopy.

What are treatment of bladder cancer ?

Sometimes TURBT (biopsy for diagnosis) is sufficient for the treatment of bladder tumor in early stage. In more high risk cases, drug therapy into the bladder may be required at periodical intervals. In cases where tumor has spread into muscle layes, cystectomy (complete bladder removal) is required. In metastatic cases chemotherapy is used.    

Whom to consult for bladder cancer ?

Initial visit to Urologist is required for the management of bladder cancer. Further need of medical oncologist, radiotherapist is required if necessary.