How is bladder cancer caused?

Written by Liu Liang

Oncology

Updated on September 03, 2024

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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.

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Written by Guan Hai Fang

Urology

46sec

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Is bladder cancer contagious?

Bladder cancer is not contagious, so there is no need to worry about that. Bladder cancer occurs when there is a cancerous transformation of bladder tissue, leading to the formation of bladder tumors. If the tumors are malignant, they are generally termed bladder cancer. Causes of bladder cancer can include long-term exposure to certain carcinogens, such as occupations involving dyes, leather, or paintwork. Another carcinogenic factor is smoking, which is related to about one-third of bladder cancer cases. Chronic infection or prolonged irritation by foreign bodies can also increase the risk of bladder cancer, as seen in cases with bladder stones, bladder diverticula, or chronic cystitis.

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Written by Guan Hai Fang

Urology

51sec

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How is bladder cancer treated?

How is bladder cancer treated? Currently, the primary treatment option for bladder cancer is surgery, which can include procedures like transurethral tumor resection, bladder tumor resection, urethral tumor resection through the bladder, and cystectomy, among others. The specific surgical approach is selected based on factors such as the location and size of the bladder cancer. Besides surgical removal of the bladder, other treatment methods such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, new technology treatments, and traditional Chinese medicine are also available as adjunct therapies. The formulation of a treatment plan should comprehensively consider factors such as the location, size, and stage of the bladder cancer.

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Written by Zhou Zi Hua

Oncology

59sec

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The most common clinical manifestations of bladder cancer

The most common clinical manifestations of bladder cancer include: one initial clinical presentation is hematuria, which typically appears as painless, intermittent gross hematuria, sometimes it can also manifest as microscopic hematuria. The hematuria may occur only once or last from one day to several days, and it can subside or stop on its own. The color of the hematuria can be light red, possibly dark brown, generally dark red. The amount of bleeding and the duration of the hematuria are not necessarily proportional to the malignancy degree, size, scope, and number of the tumor. Additionally, bladder cancer patients can experience symptoms of bladder irritation, such as frequent urination, urgent urination, painful urination, and difficulties in urination, etc.

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Written by Wu Xia

Oncology

43sec

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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.

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Written by Guan Hai Fang

Urology

1min 6sec

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How is bladder cancer diagnosed?

Firstly, imaging examinations such as ultrasound can be conducted, which if reveal tumors larger than 0.5 cm can serve as an initial screening for patients; IVU (Intravenous Urography) can show larger tumors as filling defects. Cystoscopy can also be performed by inserting a cystoscope to directly examine the bladder's shape, size, etc. If it appears round, with clear boundaries and without erosion, it is generally benign; if it has a cauliflower-like or seaweed-like appearance, it is generally malignant bladder cancer. Urine tests can also be conducted; cells from tumors found in fresh urine can lead to cytological examination of urine as an initial screening. Additionally, if conditions permit, a physical examination including a bimanual examination of the bladder can be done to preliminarily assess the tumor's size, the extent of invasion, depth, and its relationship with the pelvic wall.