Bladder cancer is a malignant tumor that begins in the cells lining the inner surface of the organ where urine is stored. It is an organ located in the lower part of the abdominal cavity and responsible for storing urine. It may not show any symptoms in the initial stages, but as the disease progresses, some specific bladder cancer symptoms emerges.
What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?
One of the most common and earliest signs of cancer is bloody urine. Urine can range in color from light red to dark brown. Sometimes the amount of blood can only be seen with a microscope. Feeling an urgent need to go to the toilet more often than usual.
Pain or burning when urinating may also indicate a urinary tract infection, but recurring pain or burning may bladder cancer symptoms is in. A feeling of incomplete emptying of urine or a weak stream of urine. Constant or periodic pain in the area.
As the disease progresses, there may be swelling in the legs due to edema. Unexplained weight loss may also be a symptom. Advanced stage cancer can also affect kidney function.
What are the Stages of Bladder Cancer?
The stages of your cancer are used to describe how far it has progressed, how large it has grown, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Staging and bladder cancer symptoms It is a critical tool for planning treatment options and assessing prognosis.
The cancer only affects the uppermost layer of the inner surface of the area. It progresses into the deeper layers of its wall, but is still confined within the bladder. At this stage, the risk of spread to lymph nodes or other organs is low. It may have grown deeper into the muscle layer, but it is still within its boundaries. At this stage, the risk of spread to lymph nodes or other neighboring organs increases. The most advanced stage is when it spreads to external organs or distant organs. In Stage IV, the disease has completely spread and treatment options are more complex.
Staging can also be defined in more detail using T, N and M values:
- T: Indicates how far the primary tumor has progressed within the bladder.
- N: Indicates whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- M: Indicates whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
How to Treat Bladder Cancer Symptoms?
bladder cancer symptoms Treatment for patients with diabetes may vary depending on the stage and type of disease, the patient's general health, and other individual factors.
Transurethral resection, this is a surgical procedure to remove tumors on the lining of the bladder. A thin, flexible tube called a cystoscope is inserted through the urethra. It is used to remove cancerous tissue. Radical Cystectomy, in case of advanced stage cancer, removal of the entire bladder may be required. During this process, a new pathway may need to be created to help the body store and excrete urine.
Intravesical chemotherapy, drugs are administered directly into the urinary tract. It is frequently used for the early stages. Systemic Chemotherapy, drugs are given orally or intravenously, thus spreading throughout the body. It is used more frequently for advanced stages.
Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation waves to stop the growth of cells or cause them to die.
Immunotherapy stimulates the body's immune system to fight cancer. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin is the most commonly used Immunotherapy treatment and is administered directly into the bladder.
Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules that prevent cells from growing or dividing.
Supportive therapy is used to help patients manage their symptoms and cope with the side effects of treatment. This may include pain management, nutritional counseling or other supportive treatments.
Bladder cancer treatment is customized depending on the patient's condition, the stage of the disease, and many other factors. bladder cancer symptoms It should not be taken lightly and it is essential to have a detailed discussion with an oncologist before deciding on treatment options and approaches.
