Bladder cancer refers to the development of irregular cells within the lining of the bladder. Because the same lining is shared throughout the urologic tract, same cancer can develop in the kidney, ureter or urethra. Bladder cancer can be low grade or high grade. As the names suggest, low-grade cancers have an indolent course and can be treated locally due to their low potential of spread. High-grade cancers, however are aggressive, and usually require removal of the bladder and the surrounding organs. Bladder cancer is most commonly picked up when blood is found in the urine. Other symptoms may include urgency of urination, pain over the bladder area, the frequency of urination, and burning with urination. These symptoms, however, are non-specific, and further evaluation by a urologist is warranted. The only way to diagnose bladder cancer is through visualization and sampling of the bladder mucosa. This is done through the use of a camera placed into the bladder under local anesthesia. This procedure is called a cystoscopy. If a tumor or area of suspicion is found, a biopsy is taken. Based on the biopsy results, further evaluation maybe warranted including a resection on the tumor in the operating room, chemotherapy administration prior to definitive surgery, or definitive surgery for removal and replacement of the bladder. The latter is called a radical cystectomy with urinary diversion.
Bladder cancer refers to the development of irregular cells within the lining of the bladder. Because the same lining is shared throughout the urologic tract, same cancer can develop in the kidney, ureter or urethra. Bladder cancer can be low grade or high grade. As the names suggest, low-grade cancers have an indolent course and can be treated locally due to their low potential for spread. High-grade cancers, however are aggressive, and usually require removal of the bladder and the surrounding organs.
Bladder cancer is most commonly picked up when blood is found in the urine. Other symptoms may include urgency of urination, pain over the bladder area, the frequency of urination, and burning with urination. These symptoms, however, are non-specific, and further evaluation by a urologist is warranted. The only way to diagnose bladder cancer is through visualization and sampling of the bladder mucosa. This is done through the use of a camera placed into the bladder under local anesthesia. This procedure is called a cystoscopy. If a tumor or area of suspicion is found, a biopsy is taken. Based on the biopsy results, further evaluation maybe warranted including a resection on the tumor in the operating room, chemotherapy administration prior to definitive surgery, or definitive surgery for removal and replacement of the bladder. The latter is called a radical cystectomy with urinary diversion.
