Is bladder cancer hereditary?

Written by Wang Jian
Urology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Bladder cancer is the most common malignant tumor in urology, occurring on the mucosa of the bladder and is also one of the top ten common tumors globally. The etiology of bladder cancer is complex, involving both intrinsic genetic factors and external environmental factors, which gives bladder cancer a hereditary tendency. Notable among the major risk factors are smoking and occupational exposure to aromatic amines, with 30% to 50% of bladder cancers caused by smoking. The incidence of bladder cancer significantly increases with the duration of smoking. The initial clinical manifestation of bladder cancer is usually hematuria, typically painless and intermittent gross hematuria. The presence of blood in urine should prompt further diagnostic testing to rule out malignant tumors in the bladder.

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Written by Guan Hai Fang
Urology
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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.

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Written by Hu Zhong Dong
Medical Oncology
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Is hematuria in bladder cancer a late stage symptom?

Bladder cancer is a relatively common malignant tumor of the urinary system, with over 70% of bladder cancers presenting with hematuria in the early stages. However, about 10% of bladder cancer patients do not exhibit hematuria. For instance, when the bladder cancer is infiltrative, it is less likely to bleed, and when bleeding does occur, it is usually in the advanced stages. Frequent urination, painful urination, blood in urine, and cloudy urine can all be early signs of bladder issues. If someone experiences these symptoms, it is crucial to go to the hospital for relevant examinations early to detect bladder cancer at an early stage. Additionally, it is advisable not to hold in urine, to smoke less or quit smoking, and to drink more water to reduce the incidence of bladder cancer.

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Written by Wang Jian
Urology
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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.

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Written by Guan Hai Fang
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.

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Written by Guan Hai Fang
Urology
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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.