Bladder Cancer and the Different Types

Bladder Cancer and the Different Types

Bladder cancer occurs in the tissues of the bladder begin to grow abnormally. Presently, bladder cancer is undergoing consistent research to find out exactly what causes the cells within the bladder walls to mutate into tumors. The first symptom that is noticed by patients is blood in the urine, but no pain while urinating. Other symptoms can include fatigue, weight loss, and bone tenderness. Doctors describe bladder cancer as non-invasive or invasive, which refers to how far the tumor has spread.

There are several different types of bladder cancer:

1. Urothelial carcinoma
Urothelial carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer. In this type of cancer, urothelial carcinoma cells cling to the inside of the bladder. The cells are so pervasive, that they attach to others parts of the bladder and the urinary tract like the pelvis, kidneys, and the urethra.

2. Squamous carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is very rare. It forms within the bladder due to unknown irritations that causes the organ to swell. The normal cells within the bladder become so irritated that they form squamous cell carcinoma.

3. Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma bladder cancer is another rare bladder disease. It appears in the glandular cells of the bladder. Unfortunately, this type of bladder cancer can appear in children, especially at birth, accompanied with inflammation and mucus-type infections.

4. Small-cell carcinoma
Even though small-cell cancer is rare, it is still life-threatening due to its aggressive nature. It makes the muscle walls of the bladder its home and metastases quickly. Small-cell carcinoma can appear anywhere in the body. They are called small celled because, under a microscope, they look small in size.

5. Preventable steps
As mysterious as bladder cancer is, doctors believe that there are several preventable steps to help lessen your risk of developing it. These factors include not introducing the body to harmful chemicals. These chemicals include the toxic ingredients that come from excessive cigarette smoking with harmful ingredients that can settle within the bladder.

Another chemical introduction into the body can come from the workplace. If your job involves working around toxic chemicals, always wear the necessary face masks and clothing to protect your skin from absorbing these chemicals into the bloodstream. Lastly, eating nutritious foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in certain foods can help to impede the risk of various types of cancer, including bladder cancer.

6. Bladder cancer can be treated
Bladder cancer is treatable, however, it can return. Systemic use of multi-modality treatments are used based on the stage of the disease, the age of the patient, and the overall health of the patient. The medical procedures used to treat bladder cancer involves immunotherapy or chemo injections and IV treatments, radiation therapy, or bladder removal surgery.