Bladder cancer refers to the formation of cancerous cells in the bladder (the organ that stores urine). In this disease the cells become malignant and multiply rapidly and without control in the bladder. This form of cancer most commonly occurs as transitional cell carcinoma or, in simpler terms, within the cells located in the inner lining of the organ. Less common versions also include squamous cell carcinoma (cancerous cells that are thin and flat), and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that produce fluid).

The most we currently do in this country to detect it is to check urine samples once a year for blood that may or may not be visible to the naked eye. The experts with The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) don’t even recommend that much, since there is not yet evidence that doing so saves lives.

The bladder cancer is affecting almost millions of persons every year. They are of many types, may be transitional cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, lymphoma or squamous cell carcinoma. These types of carcinomic cancers are the most generally occurring types of bladder cancer. This cancer also is characterised by many symptoms that can be considerably easily identified and like all other cancers it is best treated when done at an early stage of the infection.

Causes:

The primary causes of bladder cancer (and many other forms of cancer), is believed to be environmental carcinogens. With this in mind, tobacco use is considered to be the leading cause, especially in male patients where it is nearly twice as common as that of female patients. Occupations with the highest risk include metal workers, those employed in the textile industry, and individuals who work in printing. Bladder cancer is not believed, by most physicians, to be heritable (it does not spread through families).

Bladder cancer can be benign i.e. restricted to the inner most lining of the bladder or it can also be malignant i.e. spreading to the muscular portion of the bladder. Bladder cancer is said to spread through the lymph cells and blood to the other parts of the body, infecting everything. Bladder cancer can be categorized into three different categories: urothelial carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Urothelial carcinoma is the most common form of bladder cancer and nearly 90% of people suffering from bladder cancer have this form of cancer.

Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer

Smoking: Like many cancers, smoking tobacco products is a major cause. In fact, smokers are twice as likely to develop the disease. Among men, smoking is the cause of 50% of bladder cancer deaths. In women, that number drops to 30%.

The carcinogens in cigarettes make their way into the blood stream and finally through the bladder and into the urine, which is why they’re such a major cause of bladder cancer.

Occupational Exposure: Industrial chemicals known as aromatic amines, like beta-napthylamine and benzidine which are sometimes used in the dye industry, can be a contributing factor for bladder cancer.

Other organic chemicals, like those used in rubber plants, leather manufacturers, fabrics and textiles and printing firms, are also a higher risk factor for the disease.

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