The body is the capital of our life, but sometimes it is invaded by some uninvited guests, and bladder cancer is one of the invisible assassins. The disease may develop silently until one day its hideous face is suddenly revealed.
Bladder cancer: the "lurker" that hides in everyday life
Bladder cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the epithelial cells of the bladder. The bladder is a hollow organ located in the pelvis that is primarily responsible for storing urine. Bladder cancer sprouts quietly when malignant cells begin to grow and multiply indefinitely.
The biggest danger of bladder cancer is that its early symptoms are not obvious and can be easily overlooked. There may be only a slight urinary frequency, urgency, or painful urination at first, which can easily be mistaken for other common problems in the urinary system. But there is one warning sign that has to be mentioned: painless hematuria. If you notice blood streaks in your urine, you should see a doctor right away, even if you don't feel pain.
Types of bladder cancer
Bladder cancers can be classified based on where they develop and cell type. Here are a few common types of bladder cancer:
1. Myoepithelial carcinoma: Also known as transitional cell carcinoma, this is the most common type of bladder cancer, accounting for about 90% of all bladder cancer cases. Myoepithelial carcinoma originates in myoepithelial cells (transitional cells) on the inner surface of the bladder, which are responsible for bladder expansion and contraction.
2. Squamous cell carcinoma: Squamous cell carcinoma is less common and occurs in the squamous cells of the bladder. Long-term chronic infection or irritation, such as long-term indwelling catheters or chronic cystitis, may increase the risk of this type of cancer.
3. Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer is also rare and originates in the glandular cells that secrete mucus in the bladder. Adenocarcinoma can occur anywhere in the bladder.
4. Small cell carcinoma : Small cell carcinoma is a very rare type of bladder cancer that is highly aggressive. This cancer is similar to small cell carcinoma of the lung and usually responds well to chemotherapy.
5. Sarcoma: Bladder sarcoma is a malignant tumor that originates in the muscular layer of the bladder or other supporting structures of the bladder. This type of bladder cancer is very rare.
6. Precancerous lesions:
In addition, bladder cancer can also develop from certain precancerous lesions, including:
Urothelial neoplasia (CIS): A highly malignant form of bladder cancer in which cancer cells are found only in the lining of the bladder.
Papilloma: Usually a benign growth, but it can develop into cancer.
Staging and infiltration
Bladder cancer can also be classified according to whether it invades the bladder wall at different levels, and the main distinctions are:
- Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC): Cancer cells are confined to the inner surface of the bladder and do not invade the deep tissues of the bladder.
- Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC): Cancer cells invade the muscular layer of the bladder, making it more difficult to treat and a higher risk of metastasis.
Treatment will depend on the type and stage of the cancer and the overall health of the patient.
Alert!"Red Alert" for Bladder Cancer
Although early symptoms may be atypical, the following changes warrant a high degree of suspicion:
1. Hematuria: The most typical symptom, urine is red or pink, sometimes visible to the naked eye, sometimes only visible under the microscope.
2. Changes in urination habits: frequent urge to urinate and a thinner or interrupted urine stream.
3. Pain and discomfort: Pain or burning sensation when urinating.
4. Inexplicable weight loss: weight loss for no reason, accompanied by fatigue.
If you have the above symptoms, especially hematuria, do not take it lightly and should seek medical attention in time.
The "mastermind" behind bladder cancer
The occurrence of bladder cancer is related to a variety of factors, including but not limited to:
1. Smoking: the number one risk factor, the harmful substances in tobacco can directly irritate the bladder mucosa.
2. Chemical exposure: long-term exposure to certain chemicals, such as dyes, rubber products workers.
3. Chronic cystitis or stones: Long-term inflammatory stimuli may induce cellular mutations.
4. Genetic factors: People with a family history of bladder cancer are at higher risk.
Bladder cancer is highly malignant and prone to recurrence and metastasis. Once bladder cancer metastasizes, it will bring great difficulties to treatment and seriously affect the quality of life of patients.
How to prevent bladder cancer on a daily basis
1. Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the main causes of bladder cancer. If you're a smoker, try to quit or reduce the amount you smoke.
2. Eat a healthy diet: Consume dietary fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables, and limit the consumption of high-fat and processed foods. Drink enough water to keep your body well hydrated.
3. Use chemicals sparingly: Avoid prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals such as benzene, dyes, solvents, etc. If you must be exposed to these chemicals, it is important to follow safe operating procedures and wear personal protective equipment.
4. Drink plenty of water: Drinking plenty of water can increase the frequency of urination, helping to dilute potential carcinogens and flush them out of the bladder.
5. Avoid holding urine for long periods of time: Try not to hold urine for too long, and timely urination can help remove potential carcinogens from the bladder.
6. Pay attention to personal hygiene: Maintain good personal hygiene, including proper cleaning of the vulva and bladder area.
7. Take enough vitamin C: Vitamin C can help prevent bladder cancer because it allows potential carcinogens in the urine to be oxidatively broken down.
8. Regular medical check-ups: Regular physical check-ups, including urine tests, ultrasounds, and other necessary screenings can help detect bladder cancer early.
Note that these recommendations are just some of the ways to prevent bladder cancer, but they don't completely eliminate the risk of bladder cancer. If you have any health concerns or symptoms, consult your doctor for professional advice.
Treatment
When bladder cancer is diagnosed, treatment will be tailored to the type and stage of the tumour and the overall health of the patient. Common treatments include:
1. Surgery: Part or all of the bladder is removed, and nearby lymph nodes and tissues may need to be removed.
2. Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to kill cancer cells, often used to shrink tumors before surgery or to kill residual cancer cells after surgery.
3. Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells, sometimes in combination with chemotherapy.
4. Immunotherapy: Attacks cancer cells by activating the patient's own immune system.
The specific treatment plan should be comprehensively considered according to the patient's condition, age, physical condition and other factors. During the treatment process, patients should actively cooperate with the doctor's treatment plan and maintain a good attitude and confidence.
Bladder cancer, this enemy lurking in the shadows, once revealed, requires us to arm ourselves with knowledge and fight it with wisdom and courage. Be wary of seemingly harmless but potentially dangerous signals.
Remember, early prevention, early diagnosis, early treatment!