Bladder Cancer
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is bladder cancer? Bladder cancer is a tumor (lump) that is in the bladder. The bladder is a round, balloon-like, hollow organ located at the lower part of the abdomen (pelvis). The bladder collects urine from the kidneys and holds the urine until you pass it out.
Normally, the cells in our body divide (split) only when needed. Cancer cells grow and divide without control or order, often making a tumor. Cancer cells may grow into nearby healthy tissue. They may also break away from the tumor and spread through the blood stream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body. When cancer spreads, it is called metastasis. Once cancer cells spread, the cancer is harder to control. The earlier bladder cancer is found and treated, the better are the chances that treatment will be successful.What causes bladder cancer? Caregivers do not exactly know what causes bladder cancer. Possible causes may be any of the following:
- Smoking cigarettes.
- Frequent exposure to certain chemicals, such as dyes (used in printing and hair coloring). Cyclophosphamide (a chemotherapy medicine), arsenic (found in pesticides), and petroleum may also cause bladder cancer.
- Having a family member who has bladder cancer increases your chances of getting this disease.
- Long-standing bladder irritation or inflammation (swelling). This is usually found in people with long term use of indwelling catheters (tube inserted into the bladder to let urine out). People who have urinary tract infections often, or these infections last a long time may be at higher risk to get bladder cancer.
What are the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer? Blood in the urine is the most common first sign of bladder cancer. The urine may be a bright red color or tea-colored. Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Needing to pass urine suddenly.
- Painful urination.
- Urinating more often than usual.
- Unexplained weight loss.
How is bladder cancer diagnosed? You may need one or more of the following:
- Computerized tomography scan: This is also called a CT or CAT scan. An x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your abdomen. Before taking the pictures, you may be given dye through an IV in your vein. The dye helps cancer show up better in the pictures. People who are allergic to shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to this dye. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to any of these.
- Cystoscopy: A thin, lighted tube is used to look inside the bladder and remove tissue samples or small tumors.
- Intravenous pyelogram: This is also called an IVP. An IVP is an x-ray of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters (tubes that carry urine). Dye is used to make these organs show up better in pictures.
- Magnetic resonance imaging: Another name for this test is an MRI. Caregivers are able to see inside your body through images using radio waves.
- Positron emission tomography scan: This is also called a PET scan. The test can find cancer by tracing the way your body cells act upon sugar.
- Urine sample: A sample of your urine is collected and sent to the lab for tests.
How is bladder cancer treated? Bladder cancer is treated differently depending upon if it has spread to other parts of your body. You may have any of the following treatments:
- Intravesical therapy: A catheter is placed into your bladder. Caregivers then give medicine directly into the bladder.
- Chemotherapy: This is often called chemo, and works by killing tumor cells.
- Radiation: This treatment uses x-rays or gamma rays. Radiation kills cancer and keeps the cancer from spreading.
- Surgery: Caregivers may remove your bladder with surgery. Surrounding organs and lymph nodes may also be removed.
- Transurethral resection: This is also called a TUR. An instrument called a cystoscope is inserted through the urethra (tube where urine passes out of your body). The tumor is then burned off by electrical current or by laser.
What can I do to prevent bladder cancer?
- Do not smoke: The best way to try to prevent bladder cancer is not to smoke. If you already smoke, quit. Ask your caregiver to help you stop smoking.
- Make your workplace safer: Follow good safety practices if you work with a class of chemicals called aromatic amines. Industries where these chemicals are commonly used include the makers of rubber, leather, printing materials, textiles, and paint products.
- Diet: Eat a variety of healthy foods including breads, cereals, rice and pasta. Include vegetables and fruits, milk, yogurt, and cheese. Also eat meat, poultry (chicken), fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts. Ask your caregiver how many servings of fats, oils and sweets should be included in your diet.
- Drinking liquids: Drink 8 to 10 (eight-ounce size) cups of healthy liquids each day. For most people, healthy liquids are water, juices, and milk. Limit the amount of caffeine in your diet.
Where can I find support and more information? Having bladder cancer is a life-changing disease for you and your family. Accepting that you have bladder cancer may be hard. You and those close to you may feel sad, angry, or frightened. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. You may also want to join a support group with other people who have bladder cancer. Ask your caregiver for contact information for support groups. Contact the following for more information:
- American Cancer Society
Phone: 1-800-227-2345
Web Address: http://www.cancer.org
- National Cancer Institute
Phone: 1-800-422-6237
Web Address: http://www.cancer.gov
- American Urological Association
1000 Corporate Boulevard
Linthicum, MD 21090
Phone: 1-410-689-3700
Phone: 1-866-746-4282
Web Address: http://www.auanet.org
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
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