Understanding Bladder Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

Bladder cancer is a common type of cancer that is very treatable, but you need the services of an expert urologist. The urologists at Urology Associates of Southeastern North Carolina offer a wide range of urology services, including diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer. They have two convenient office locations in Wilmington, and Southport, NC.

What You Need to Know about Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is caused by changes in the DNA of bladder cells. The abnormal cells multiply quickly and form a tumor. Bladder cancer is classified into several types, depending on which type of cell is involved. Types of bladder cancer include:

• Urothelial carcinoma, which affects the cells lining the inside of the bladder
• Squamous cell carcinoma, which affects the squamous cells
• Adenocarcinoma, which affects the cells in the bladder that secrete mucus

Your risk of developing bladder cancer increases if you:

• Smoke
• Are over age 55
• Are male
• Have a family history of cancer
• Have been exposed to chemicals used in dyes, textiles, and paints
• Have had previous cancer treatment with the drug cyclophosphamide
• Have had chronic bladder inflammation from the use of a urinary catheter

There are several signs and symptoms of bladder cancer, including:

• Blood in the urine
• Frequent or painful urination
• Back pain

If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms listed above, it’s time to visit your urologist. To diagnose bladder cancer, your urologist may recommend:

• A urine sample to check for cancerous cells
• A CT scan to examine the urinary tract
• A cystoscopy to examine the inside of the urethra and bladder Removal of a tissue sample for a biopsy
• Depending on the severity of the cancer, bladder cancer treatment may include:
• Bladder surgery, to remove cancerous tissue
• Chemotherapy, if the cancer has a high risk of recurrence or spread
• Radiation therapy, to kill cancerous cells
• Immunotherapy, to tap into the body’s immune response to cancerous cells
• Targeted therapy, to treat advanced cases of bladder cancer

Want to Know More about Bladder Cancer?

To learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of bladder cancer, call the urologists at Urology Associates of Southeastern North Carolina. You can reach them in either of their two offices in Wilmington, and Southport, NC, by calling (910) 763-6251, so call now!