Over 80,000 people in our country are diagnosed with bladder cancer every year. In this form of cancer, malignant cells develop in the bladder tissues and spread to other body areas with time. Anyone can get bladder cancer, but some factors increase the risk. Therefore, learning about the symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options is essential. It helps take timely actions and lowers the chances of developing the disease.

Symptoms of bladder cancer
The first and most common bladder cancer symptom is the presence of blood in the urine. The urine often appears dark red, pink, or orange, depending on the amount of blood. But, it may be present one day and absent the other, making it hard to detect. A urine test is advisable to confirm blood in the urine.

The other bladder cancer signs include:

• Changes in urine color
• Increased frequency of urination
• Inability to urinate
• Constant urge to urinate, even when the bladder is empty
• Pain during urination

Those experiencing these symptoms must immediately consult a doctor. However, these signs are not a giveaway. They may sometimes hint at other benign diseases, such as bladder infection or urinary tract infection (UTI).

One must therefore look for the following signs along with those mentioned above:

• Difficulty to urinate, even when one has to
• Swelling in the feet
• Bone pain
• Fatigue or extreme tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Drop in body weight, even without trying

Causes of bladder cancer
Unfortunately, there is no clarity on what causes bladder cancer. However, several things aggravate one’s risk of developing the disease. These include:

• Chemical exposure
  Those exposed to carcinogens at work are more susceptible to bladder cancer. Aluminum workers, leather workers, rubber workers, pesticide applicators, and truck drivers should be careful and not ignore any symptoms.
• Familial link
  If a family member has a history of bladder cancer or any other form of cancer, the others in the family tree are at risk too.
• Radiation therapy
  Those who have undergone pelvis radiation therapy for treating cancers of the uterus, cervix, testis, and prostate can develop bladder cancer in the future.
• Bladder infection
  Chronic bladder infection or irritation that is left unattended can lead to bladder cancer.

Typically, bladder cancer starts in the cells around the bladder. With time, these cells can accumulate and turn into a tumor. Experts classify the cells into flat carcinoma in situ and wart-like papillary depending on how they spread

Diagnosis of bladder cancer
Tests that can help diagnose bladder cancer include:

• Internal examination
  In an internal examination, the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum or vagina to check for anything unusual.
• Urine tests
  Urinalysis helps determine the presence of bacteria or blood in the urine. If the lab technician finds blood in the urine, one requires further tests for cancer diagnosis.
• Cystoscopy
  In this procedure, the doctor uses a thin tube with a camera and light to assess the bladder’s inside. If they find abnormal tissues, the patient will undergo a biopsy.
• Ultrasound
  In an ultrasound, the doctor uses sound waves to determine the presence of cancer and whether it has spread. Small cancers are usually undetectable with this method.
• CT scan
  A CT scan yields a 3D picture of the bladder using X-rays to inspect the presence of a tumor.

Before undergoing these tests, the doctor may recommend a general blood test to check the patient’s overall health. If cancer is detected, a suitable treatment option is prescribed.

Treatments for bladder cancer
Bladder cancer treatment depends on several factors, such as cancer type, size, stage, and grade, besides the patient’s preferences and overall health. At times, one may need a combination of treatments. The popular options include:

• Intravesical chemotherapy
  It is a type of chemo that targets the bladder to treat cancers confined to that area. These cancers have a greater likelihood of progression and recurrence.
• Systemic chemotherapy
  This type of chemo is for the whole body, prescribed when cancer cells have spread. It helps when one cannot undergo surgery.
• Immunotherapy
  This treatment targets the body’s immune system and stimulates it to combat cancer cells in the bladder or across the body.
• Radiation therapy
  In this procedure, radio waves are used to kill unhealthy, cancerous cells. It is another suitable choice when surgery is not an option.
• Targeted therapy
  It is used for advanced stages of bladder cancer if other treatment options do not work.

The earlier the treatment begins, the better the recovery chances. So, if one experiences any of the symptoms, they must visit a doctor and get the necessary tests done on priority.