Is bladder cancer scary?

Written by Wang Jian
Urology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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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.

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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 Liu Liang
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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.

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Written by Wang Jian
Urology
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Treatment of bladder cancer

For the treatment of bladder cancer, it is necessary first to confirm the diagnosis of bladder cancer through routine urine tests, ultrasonographic examination of the urinary system, cystoscopy, and imaging studies of the urinary system. It is important to determine the location, area, and malignancy of the bladder tumor. For early-stage superficial bladder tumors or tumors on the bladder wall with fewer numbers, minimally invasive surgery can be performed, followed by bladder perfusion to prevent recurrence of the bladder tumor. In the second scenario, if the bladder tumor is multiple and larger, and has a higher degree of malignancy in the bladder trigone area, then a radical cystectomy is required. Radical cystectomy involves the removal of the bladder along with the prostate in males or the uterus in females, followed by the creation of a urinary diversion, typically through these two treatment methods.

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Written by Wu Xia
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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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Urology
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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.