Bladder cancer is a prevalent and harmful form of urinary system cancer that primarily originates from the mucous membrane in the bladder. Classified into two types, non-muscle invasive and muscle invasive, bladder cancer varies in its intensity and extent of tissue invasion.
There are numerous factors that contribute to the development of bladder cancer, with smoking being one of the most significant risk factors. Chemicals present in tobacco smoke have been shown to damage bladder epithelial cells, thus increasing the likelihood of cancer formation. Additionally, exposure to certain carcinogens in the workplace, such as aniline and dinitrobenzene, can also elevate the risk of bladder cancer. Chronic cystitis, bladder stones, and specific infections are further factors that can damage the bladder’s epithelial cells and consequently heighten the chances of bladder cancer. Prolonged use of certain drugs, particularly painkillers containing paraphenylenediamine compounds, is also associated with increased bladder cancer risk. Although there are genetic factors that can contribute to bladder cancer, most cases are not hereditary.
Age and gender play a role in bladder cancer, as it is more prevalent in older individuals and affects men more than women. Furthermore, dietary habits, such as consuming a high-fat diet with low fruit and vegetable intake, may increase the risk of bladder cancer. Long-term exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation and chronic urinary inflammation, caused by problems such as urine flow obstruction or reflux, are also associated with an elevated risk of developing bladder cancer.
Clinical manifestations of bladder cancer can vary based on several factors, including cancer stage, location, size, and individual differences. Hematuria, the presence of blood in urine, is one of the most common symptoms. It can range from being detectable only under a microscope to visibly coloring the urine pink or red. Bladder cancer can also cause urinary frequency and urgency, leading to discomfort and inconvenience. Difficulty urinating is another symptom, as the tumor may obstruct the normal flow of urine. Abdominal pain or discomfort may occur if the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues. Other indicators include cloudy urine, unusual smell, and sediment. In advanced stages, bladder cancer can cause bone pain, pelvic pain, weight loss, fatigue, malaise, fever, and chills.
Diagnosis of bladder cancer involves various tests such as urinalysis, cystoscopy, and imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI. Biopsies may also be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Non-invasive bladder cancer is typically treated through tumor removal surgery, while muscle invasive cases may require more extensive procedures like cystectomy and lymph node dissection. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy can also be utilized as supplementary or alternative treatments. Prognosis varies based on several factors, with early diagnosis and treatment associated with better outcomes. To reduce the risk of bladder cancer, adopting a smoke-free lifestyle, minimizing exposure to carcinogens, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular health checkups are of utmost importance.
While it serves as an adjuvant treatment rather than the primary approach, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can complement the treatment of bladder cancer. TCM practitioners may prescribe specific Chinese medicines based on the patient’s condition and constitution, including Qumai, Bianzhu, Houttuynia cordata, and Hedyotis diffusa. Additionally, adequate hydration can aid in enhancing toxin metabolism.
Bladder cancer remains a significant health concern, and understanding its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures is crucial in combating this disease.
Bladder cancer can cause urinary frequency and urgency. Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer than women. (123RF)
Text/Deng Zhengliang (Director of Jide Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic)
Bladder tumors are the most common tumors of the urinary system Bladder cancer is a common malignant tumor of the urinary system that usually originates from epithelial cells in the bladder.
Bladder cancer can be divided into two categories: non-muscle invasive and muscle invasive. Noninvasive bladder cancer only attacks the mucosa and submucosal layers, while muscle invasive bladder cancer invades the muscular layer of the bladder wall and may also involve deeper tissues.
Bladder cancer. (123RF_Epoch Synthesis Epoch)
The main causes of the disease
The cause of bladder cancer is the result of the interaction of a number of factors and can vary from person to person. Here are some of the main causes and associated factors:
1. Smoking:Smoking is one of the most important risk factors for bladder cancer. Chemicals in tobacco smoke, particularly aromatic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are thought to damage epithelial cells in the bladder and increase the risk of bladder cancer.
2. chemical exposure:Exposure to certain carcinogens in the workplace, such as aniline and dinitrobenzene, can increase the risk of bladder cancer. These substances are commonly used in the production of certain chemicals, pigments, dyes and plastics.
3. Chronic cystitis and infection:Long-term chronic cystitis, bladder stones, and certain infections (such as gooseneck virus infection) can cause damage to the epithelial cells of the bladder and increase the risk of developing bladder cancer.
4. Drugs: Long-term use of certain drugs, particularly painkillers containing paraphenylenediamine compounds, is thought to be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer.
5. Genetic factors:Family genetic factors can increase the risk of bladder cancer in some cases, but most bladder cancers are not hereditary.
6. Age and sex:Bladder cancer is more common in older people and affects men more than women.
7. Eating habits:A diet high in fat and low in fruit and vegetables may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer.
8. radiation exposure:Long-term exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation, such as radiation workers in certain occupations, can increase the risk of bladder cancer.
9. Chronic urinary inflammation: Long-term urine drainage problems, such as urinary flow obstruction or reflux, can lead to chronic urinary inflammation and increase the risk of bladder cancer.
clinical manifestations
The clinical manifestations of bladder cancer can vary depending on the stage, location, size and individual differences of the cancer. The following are some possible clinical manifestations:
1. Hematuria:This is one of the most common symptoms of bladder cancer. Hematuria can be trace amounts, only detectable under a microscope, or it can be visible to the naked eye, making the urine appear red or pink. Hematuria may occur intermittently.
2. Frequency and urgency of urination:Bladder cancer can cause urinary frequency and urgency. These symptoms may be associated with bladder tumors irritating the urethra.
3. Difficulty urinating:Bladder cancer can block the normal flow of urine, making it difficult to urinate. This may be because the location of the tumor is blocking the urethra.
4. Abdominal pain or discomfort:Some people with bladder cancer may report pain or discomfort in the abdomen, especially if the tumor has spread to the surrounding tissue.
5. Urine changes:In addition to hematuria, some people may notice that their urine becomes cloudy, has an unusual smell, or has sediment in their urine.
6. Bone pain or pelvic pain:If bladder cancer has spread to other organs or tissues, such as bones, it can cause pain.
7. Weight loss: Advanced stages of bladder cancer can cause loss of appetite and weight loss.
8. Other symptoms:Some people with bladder cancer may experience fatigue, malaise, fever, or chills, which may be due to the effects of bladder cancer on the immune system.
diagnosis: Diagnosing bladder cancer usually involves urinalysis, cystoscopy (bladder endoscopy), imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI, and possibly biopsies (histopathology).
treat:Non-invasive bladder cancer is usually treated with tumor removal surgery, possibly using endothelial curettage of the bladder (TURBT). Muscle invasive bladder cancer may require more extensive surgery, such as a cystectomy, and possibly lymph node dissection. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy can also be used as adjunctive or alternative treatments.
Prognosis:The prognosis of bladder cancer varies based on several factors, including tumor stage, grade, size, extent of invasion, and response to treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment is often associated with a better prognosis.
prevent:Avoiding smoking, avoiding exposure to carcinogens, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and having regular health checkups are important ways to reduce your risk of bladder cancer.
Chinese treatment
Traditional Chinese medicine treatment of bladder cancer is usually used as part of adjuvant treatment and is not the main treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment may prescribe specific Chinese medicine prescriptions according to the patient’s condition and constitution. Commonly used medicines include Qumai, Bianzhu, Houttuynia cordata, Hedyotis diffusa, etc. Drink more water to improve the metabolism of toxins. ◇
#Deng #siarad #ofal #iechydBladder #cancer #Bladder #cancer #Taiwan #Epoch #Times
