Bladder Cancer
What is bladder cancer?
This cancer starts in the intricate liner of the bladder and gradually works its way outward where it spreads to other parts of the body. About 9 in 10 people diagnosed with bladder cancer are age 55 or older, and the average age at the time of diagnosis is 73. With about 71,000 new cases each year and a five-year survival rate of about 75 percent, bladder cancer is twice as likely in Caucasians and people who smoke.
What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?
The most common symptom in males and females is blood in your urine. Other symptoms can include:
- Painful Urination
- Frequent Urination
- Weak Urination Stream
- Burning Sensation When Peeing
- Feeling Unwell After Using The Bathroom
For men, these symptoms are similar to an enlarged prostate gland. Your doctor will want to analyze your urine to determine the causes of the symptoms. If it is an infection, then antibiotics will be prescribed to clear up the bladder.
Types of Bladder Cancer
If the doctors discover cancerous cells through diagnosis the next step is understanding which type of bladder cancer is present. Bladder cancer types are:
- Urothelial Carcinomas- cancer that begins in cells that normally make up the inner lining of the bladder
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma -cancer that begins in thin, flat cells and develops in the bladder lining due to chronic irritation or inflammation
- Adenocarcinoma -cancer that begins in the cells that make and release mucus and other fluids
- Sarcoma -rare cancer type that develops in the muscle cells of the bladder
- 小细胞癌,an aggressive type of cancer that forms in the neuroendocrine cells of the bladder
The different types of bladder cancers can grow at various patterns. There is noninvasive which grows on the surface of the skin. Non-muscle invasive is between muscle and skin. While noninvasive cancer grows on the on the surface of the skin.
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Lee Health Regional Cancer Center
8931 Colonial Center DrFort Myers, FL 33905
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Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Cancer Clinic - Bonita Health Center
3501 Health Center BlvdEstero , FL 34135
What is Lee Health's approach to diagnosing bladder cancer?
Doctors will use a series of tests to determine if a tumor is present. They can use urinalysis, cystoscopy, and other imaging tests to discover the disease. AnMRIorCT scancan be performed at one of our Lee Healthoutpatient imaging locations.
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Computed Tomography (CT Scan)
CT scans use a computer to combine multiple x-rays to create a 3-D image of soft tissue, bones, organs and blood vessels.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI is a painless imaging procedure used to help your physician diagnose a wide variety of conditions. In many cases, it provides different information about structures within the body that can’t be viewed through other imaging procedures.
