To prevent the disease, it is very important to eliminate the risk factors that predispose to suffering from it. Learn more in this note
Every year, approximately 4 thousand people in Argentina receive the devastating diagnosis of bladder cancer. This type of cancer is positioned as the fifth most common among men, with 2,955 new cases annually, and the fifteenth among women, with 830 diagnoses per year. These figures reveal a worrying reality and underline the importance of addressing this disease in a comprehensive and timely manner.
Within the framework of World Bladder Cancer Day, specialists and health professionals launched an urgent call to raise awareness about this disease and the need to detect it in its initial stages. It is essential to understand the symptoms and risk factors associated with bladder cancer in order to address it effectively.
What is bladder cancer
The disease usually begins in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder. These cells are also found in the kidneys and in the ureters, the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. Although urothelial cancer can develop in the kidneys and ureters, it is much more common in the bladder.
Most cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed in early stages, when the disease is highly treatable. However, even after successful treatment, there is a chance that bladder cancer will recur in the patient. For this reason, people diagnosed with bladder cancer often undergo follow-up tests for several years after treatment to look for any signs of recurrence.
How bladder cancer manifests
Blood in the urine, frequent urination, pain when urinating, urinary infections, urinary obstructions, and discomfort in the back or pelvis are some of the possible manifestations of bladder cancer.
Specialists have stressed the importance of paying attention to these symptoms and signs, as they could be indicative of the presence of this disease. Early detection and timely treatment not only significantly improve the prognosis, but are also essential for the patient’s overall well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with your family doctor if any of these symptoms are present.
Risk factor’s
Among the risk factors for developing bladder cancer, there are some modifiable, such as smoking, and others that are not modifiable, such as a family history of bladder cancer, having been exposed at work to paints, metals or petroleum products, having received radiotherapy to the pelvis or certain medications used in cancer therapy, and drinking water from a reservoir with high concentrations of arsenic, among others.
Bladder Cancer Treatments: Exploring the Options
The approach to bladder cancer involves a variety of treatments tailored to each patient’s individual characteristics, such as the type of cancer, its grade and stage, as well as the patient’s general health and treatment preferences.
Surgery:
Transurethral bladder tumor resection: a procedure that allows the removal of cancers in the inner layers of the bladder using an electrical instrument.
Cystectomy: consists of the total or partial removal of the bladder, which may include the removal of other nearby organs affected by cancer.
Urinary diversions: In specific cases, ileal conduits or urinary reservoirs can be created to facilitate urine drainage.
Chemotherapy:
Intravesical chemotherapy: used to treat cancers confined to the lining of the bladder, reducing the risk of recurrence.
Systemic chemotherapy: given throughout the body to increase the chance of cure, especially after surgery or as a primary treatment in certain circumstances.
Radiotherapy:
Used to destroy cancer cells, mainly when surgery is not feasible or preferred.
Immunotherapy:
It activates the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells, either locally in the bladder or systemically throughout the body.
Targeted therapy:
Intended for the treatment of advanced cancer when other options have proven ineffective, targeting specific weaknesses in cancer cells.
Combination treatments, such as radiotherapy along with chemotherapy, may be recommended in certain cases to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment. It is crucial that the therapeutic plan be discussed in depth between the patient and their medical team, considering the particularities of each situation to guarantee the best possible result in the fight against bladder cancer.
