Anatomy & Physiology:
The urinary bladder is an organ located in the lower part of the abdomen & is a hollow, muscular organ that serves as a reservoir for urine produced by the kidneys. The bladder's main function is to store urine until it is voluntarily released from the body during urination.
Stats:
Bladder cancer starts in the urinary bladder. It is more common in men than women and occurs mostly in people over 55 years old.
Risk factors:
Smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, age, and a family history of bladder cancer.
Symptoms:
Blood in the urine, painful urination, frequent urination, and lower back pain.
Diagnosis:
Involves several tests, including a urine test, imaging studies such as CT scan or MRI, and cystoscopy, which involves inserting a small camera into the bladder to examine it.
Staging:
Bladder cancer is staged according to the size and extent of the tumor and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs.
Treatment:
Options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. The treatment for the cancer depends on its stage and the patient's overall health.
Prognosis:
Varies depending on the stage at which it is diagnosed, but overall it has a good prognosis if caught early. The five-year survival rate for localized bladder cancer is around 77%, while the five-year survival rate for metastatic bladder cancer is around 5%. Regular follow-up with a doctor after treatment is important to monitor for any signs of recurrence.
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