Being able to spot the signs early can save lives.
People don’t talk about bladder cancer as much as they do about other cancers, but it can be very serious, especially if it’s found late. It starts in the bladder’s lining and can spread quickly if not treated.
Is there any good news? If bladder cancer is found early and the right treatment is available, it is very easy to treat.
The Onco-Life Cancer Centre made this guide to help people who are worried about their urinary or abdominal health, as well as patients and their families, learn about the warning signs, causes, stages, and treatment options for bladder cancer.
What Is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer happens when cells in the bladder start to grow in a strange way. The most common type of bladder cancer is transitional cell carcinoma. The urothelial cells that line the bladder are where they begin. Adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are two other types.
The bladder is a muscle in the pelvis that is hollow and holds urine made by the kidneys. When cells that aren’t normal grow too much in this organ, they can make tumors that are either cancerous or not cancerous.
Early Signs of Bladder Cancer
One issue with bladder cancer is that its early signs are often the same as those of common urinary issues like infections or kidney stones. But knowing the early signs of bladder cancer can help a lot in finding it.
These are the signs that happen most often:
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Hematuria: Blood in the Urine
Hematuria is the most common early sign. The urine can be pink, red, or brown, like cola. Sometimes the blood is so small that tests are the only way to find it. -
Changes in how often you go to the bathroom
- You might have to use the bathroom more often or more urgently.
- It hurts or burns when you pee.
- A weak or stopped stream of urine.
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Pain in the lower back or pelvis
This is very important if the pain is only on one side. This means things are getting worse. -
The Color of Urine in People with Bladder Cancer
Blood can make urine turn rusty or red. If the color change comes back, even if it goes away for a while, you need to see a doctor right away.
Symptoms in Women: Often Overlooked
Doctors often think that women with bladder cancer have urinary tract infections (UTIs) or problems with their reproductive systems. Women might put off seeing an oncologist because pelvic pain or frequent urination are common signs of many non-cancerous conditions.
For women, signs of trouble:
- Pain in the pelvis that won’t go away
- Need to urinate a lot or leak urine
- Unexplained tiredness and weight loss
If you’ve had UTIs more than once and they haven’t gone away, you should ask your doctor to check for bladder cancer.
What Makes Bladder Cancer Happen?
There are a number of risk factors that scientists have linked to bladder cancer, even though the exact cause may be different for each person Some of the known bladder cancer causes include:
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Smoking
The main cause of bladder cancer is smoking. Smokers are three times more likely to get bladder cancer because their kidneys filter out cancer-causing chemicals and store them in the bladder. -
Chemical Exposure
People who work with textiles, leather, rubber, printing, or paint are more likely to get hurt. Aromatic amines are especially harmful when you come into contact with them a lot. -
Bladder infections that last a long time
Not treating UTIs or using a catheter for a long time can make the risk higher. People who have chronic cystitis are also more likely to get it. -
Chemotherapy and radiation
Some chemotherapy drugs, like cyclophosphamide, or radiation therapy to the pelvis in the past can make the risk higher. -
Age and genes
Most cases don’t run in families, but having a family history may make the risk higher. Most of the patients are over 55, and men are more likely to be affected than women.
Explore More : Types Of Oncologists And Their Specialties In Oncology
What Do the Different Stages of Bladder Cancer Mean?
To determine the appropriate treatment plan, doctors must understand the bladder cancer stages.
Stage 0: Carcinoma in Situ
At Stage 0, the cancer is only on the outside of the bladder lining. Most of the time, surgery and immunotherapy are used to treat it.Stage I
Cancer has spread a little deeper into the wall of the bladder, but it hasn’t gotten to the muscle layer yet.Stage II
The tumor spreads into the muscle that makes up the bladder wall.Stage III
The cancer has spread to the prostate, uterus, or nearby tissue.Stage IV
The cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the liver, lungs, or bones.
At Onco-Life Cancer Center, imaging and pathology help make sure that each patient’s treatment plan is right for them.
How Do Doctors Know If Someone Has Bladder Cancer?
If you or someone you care about has symptoms, your doctor may suggest the following:
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Urine cytology
Checks urine for cancer cells. -
Cystoscopy
A thin tube with a camera is put into the bladder to look for tumors. -
Biopsy
During cystoscopy, doctors take samples of tissue to make sure the cancer is real. -
Tests that use pictures
PET scans are common in Mumbai and other big cities. CT scans and MRIs help doctors figure out how far the disease has spread.
Options for Treatment
The way bladder cancer is treated depends on the patient’s stage, type, and general health:
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Operation
- TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor): For early stages.
- Cystectomy: In advanced cases, this means taking out part or all of the bladder.
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Intravesical Treatment
The doctor puts the medicines right into the bladder. BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) is a common type of immunotherapy for tumors that are still small. -
Chemotherapy
You can give it before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after surgery (adjuvant). Depending on the stage, the treatment can be systemic or intravesical. -
Treatment with Radiation
People often get chemotherapy and radiation therapy at the same time. Sometimes, it helps protect the bladder from damage. -
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
Modern treatments can be used by people who have advanced or recurring disease. Ongoing trials give us hope for a long-term recovery.
What are the Reasons to Visit the Onco-Life Cancer Center?
At Onco-Life Cancer Centre, we don’t just treat the tumor; we treat the whole person. Our main office is in Maharashtra, and we also have centers in Talegaon, Chiplun, Satara, and Wagholi.
We offer:- Advanced diagnostic tools, like the ability to do PET scans
- Surgical options that don’t hurt organs
- MJPJAY, PMJAY, and other government programs provide care that is affordable
- Our kind cancer doctors care about healing the whole person
Our multidisciplinary team makes sure that every step is clear, caring, and based on evidence, whether you want a second opinion or a personalized treatment plan.
What Happens After Bladder Cancer?
You can get better after having bladder cancer. But it’s also a journey, in both body and mind.
Here are some ways to get over it:
- Care Afterward: Regular cystoscopies and scans are very important.
- Changes to your way of life: Don’t smoke, drink a lot of water, and stay away from chemicals.
- Nutritional Support: For personalized advice, talk to one of our oncology dietitians.
- Counseling and support groups for survivors are very important for mental health recovery.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
Bladder cancer can be quiet, but your body often gives you small signs. Don’t ignore the first signs, such as blood in the urine or pelvic pain that won’t go away.
If you or someone you know is having symptoms or wants to know more about their diagnosis or treatment, call Onco-Life Cancer Centre.
We’re here to help you along the way because finding out early can save lives.
