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Bladder cancer
The difference between bladder tumor and bladder cancer is that a bladder tumor may be benign or malignant, whereas bladder cancer specifically refers to a malignant tumor.
The difference between bladder tumors and bladder cancer generally lies in whether the growth inside the bladder is benign or malignant. Normally, nothing should grow inside the bladder. However, if a growth does appear, it can be referred to as a bladder tumor if it is benign, or bladder cancer if it is malignant. Bladder tumors are typically round with clear boundaries, which can be observed through ultrasound or cystoscopy. On the other hand, if the growth in the bladder resembles seaweed or cauliflower, with unclear boundaries, erosion, bleeding, or other symptoms, it can be referred to as bladder cancer. Generally, the primary treatment for such cases is surgical removal.
How is bladder cancer caused?
The causes of bladder cancer are not very clear so far, and they are related to factors such as environment, genetics, and lifestyle habits. However, two major risk factors are quite clear: one is smoking, and the other is long-term exposure to aromatic amines, which are occupational factors that are significant risks for causing bladder cancer.
Is the bladder cancer embryonic antigen high?
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is significantly elevated, mainly seen in gastrointestinal tumors, especially in colorectal cancers such as colon and rectal cancers, where CEA elevation is more pronounced. It can also be notably higher in patients with lung adenocarcinoma, and bladder cancer might show an increase in CEA as well. However, the increase in CEA is not necessarily consistent, and its diagnostic value for bladder cancer is limited due to low specificity and sensitivity, making it not very instructive. The definitive diagnosis of bladder cancer primarily involves cystoscopy and taking a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer.
Diet for Bladder Cancer Patients
From the perspective of Western medicine, the diet for bladder cancer patients involves drinking plenty of water, avoiding spicy foods, and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco. Patients should also ensure they get enough vitamins by consuming fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, it is important to consume adequate nutrition including eggs, meat, and fish, and patients should not hold in urine. However, from the perspective of Chinese medicine, bladder cancer patients should avoid foods that induce excessive internal heat, such as lamb and seafood, and should also avoid cold or chilled foods.
Is bladder cancer scary?
Bladder cancer is the most common malignant tumor in urological surgery, primarily occurring in the bladder mucosa. Its symptoms include painless, intermittent gross hematuria, with nearly 100% of patients experiencing blood in the urine. The presence of hematuria should highly raise the suspicion of bladder cancer, and the examinations mainly include routine urinalysis and an ultrasound of the urinary system. Bladder cancer is not to be feared if it is detected and treated early. The surgery can be relatively simple, and minimally invasive treatment through the urethra, such as plasma electrosection or laser excision, is possible. Since bladder cancer can recur, postoperative management should include bladder perfusion therapy and regular cystoscopy re-examinations. Thus, bladder cancer is not to be feared, as early detection and treatment can lead to a cure.