Bladder cancer

Cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the body. These extra cells grow together and form masses, called tumors. In bladder cancer, these growths happen in the bladder.

The bladder is the part of your urinary tract that stores your urine until you are ready to let it out.

The most common type of bladder cancer starts in the inner layer of the bladder. It is called transitional cell carcinoma. It happens most often in people who are in their 60s or older.

The most common symptoms of bladder cancer include:

• Blood in the urine.
• Pain during urination.
• Urinating small amounts frequently.

Bladder cancer can also cause pain in the lower back and pelvis.

To diagnose bladder cancer, your doctor will:

• Ask about your medical history. You may be asked about smoking, any contact with chemicals that cause cancer, and any history of cancer in your family.
• Do a physical exam. This may include a rectal or pelvic exam.
• Test your urine to look for blood or abnormal cells.
• Do a cystoscopy. This is a test that lets your doctor look into your bladder with a thin, lighted viewing tool.
• If an area of abnormal tissue or a tumor is found during your cystoscopy, you may have a CT scan or MRI. You will also likely have a transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT). During a TURBT, your doctor will take a sample of tissue (biopsy) or remove the tissue (tumor).

If your doctor finds cancer, there may be other tests to see how much the cancer has grown and if it has spread.

Treatment for bladder cancer is based on the stage of the cancer and other things, such as your overall health. Most people have:

Surgery.

The doctor may be able to remove the tumor. Sometimes part or all of the bladder has to be removed.

Other treatments include:

Chemotherapy.

These medicines kill fast-growing cells. These include cancer cells and some normal cells. Chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery. Or it may be put into the bladder.

Radiation therapy.

This uses high-dose X-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may be used before or after surgery.

Other treatments include immunotherapy, which can be put into the bladder or given by I.V., and targeted therapy.

If bladder cancer comes back inside the bladder, it can be removed. If it comes back outside of the bladder, it can be treated to slow the growth of the cancer and relieve symptoms.

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Eat healthy food. If you are not hungry, try to eat food that has protein and extra calories to keep up your strength and prevent weight loss.
• Get some physical activity every day, but do not get too tired.
• Get enough sleep and take time to do things you enjoy. This can help reduce stress.
• Think about joining a support group. Or discuss your concerns with your doctor, counselor, or other health professional.
• If you smoke, ask your doctor about aids to stop smoking.
• If you are vomiting or have diarrhea:
  • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Choose water and other clear liquids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
  • When you are able to eat, try clear soups, mild foods, and liquids until all symptoms are gone for 12 to 48 hours. Other good choices include dry toast, crackers, cooked cereal, and gelatin dessert, such as Jell-O.
• Take care of your urinary tract to prevent problems such as infection, which can be caused by bladder cancer and its treatment. Limit drinks with caffeine, drink plenty of fluids, and urinate every 3 to 4 hours.
• If you have not already done so, prepare a list of advance directives. Advance directives are instructions to your doctor and family members about what kind of care you want if you become unable to speak for yourself.