The bladder is an important organ that stores urine filtered from the kidneys and expels it from the body through contractions. The inner surface of the bladder is covered with a unique layer of cells. In approximately 90% of bladder cancers, these cells proliferate abnormally and invade healthy tissue.
This type of cancer usually presents itself with painless bleeding in the urine in individuals over the age of 65. Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for bladder cancer. Men are about 4 times more likely to develop bladder cancer than women. However, women who have bladder cancer experience symptoms similar to those seen in men.
What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?
The question “How can I tell if I have bladder cancer?” is often asked. The most obvious symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. In addition, symptoms such as a sudden and frequent urge to urinate, burning or difficulty urinating are also common.
In response to questions such as “Where does bladder cancer cause pain?”; Bladder cancer symptoms are:
- Blood may be seen in the urine
- Frequent and sudden need to urinate
- Difficulty or pain in urinating despite having the urge to urinate
- Pain during urination
- Presence of clots in the urine
- Pain in the lower abdomen, waist and back
In cases where bladder cancer has spread to other organs, the following symptoms may occur:
- Stomach ache
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Feeling of exhaustion
- Bone pain and tenderness
- Swelling in the feet
Bladder cancer symptoms in women are similar to those in men. These symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate, burning or pain during urination, bloody urine, urinary tract infections, difficulty urinating, and uncomfortable pain in the pelvic area.
How is bladder cancer treated?
The first step in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer usually begins with surgery, which is considered the gold standard. In the first stage, the removal of the bladder tumor by closed method (TUR surgery) provides both diagnosis and staging processes and is the first step of treatment. Then, advanced treatment options are determined depending on the stage and grade of the tumor.
In tumors that have not spread to the muscle, the most effective treatment method is to remove the tumor with a closed method and apply medication to the bladder. If the tumor has spread to the muscle, a comprehensive surgical intervention called “radical cystectomy” is preferred depending on the disease and the patient’s condition.
Experts emphasize that smoking should be stopped after treatment and recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.