May 20th, 2014
Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that line the inner aspect of urinary bladder (a balloon shaped organ that is responsible for storing urine) is a fairly common cause of morbidity and mortality in certain high risk individuals. Most cases are reported in elderly patients though young individuals can also develop malignancy(Malignancy Wiki Page) of bladder. Due to higher rate of recurrence, bladder cancer survivors must keep up with periodic examinations to minimize the risk of recurrence.
According to data reported by World Journal of Urology (1) approximately 2.7 million people have bladder cancer at any given period of time.
Histological classification of bladder cancer is dependent on the types of cells involved and extent of invasion. Bladder cancer may include one more types of cells. Following are the histological types of bladder cancer.
Bladder cancer may remain concealed for a significant period of time depending upon the site and size of tumor (Bladder Tumor Removal Page). Most common symptoms that are suggestive of bladder malignancy are.
Different types of surgeries can be performed depending on the type and stage of bladder cancer. Following are the most frequently used procedures.
The aim of this therapy is to stimulate the body’s immune system to combat cancer cells. Therapeutic agents are typically administered into the bladder (intravesical therapy). Drugs used in biological therapy include.
Chemotherapy directly attacks cancers cells and helps in elimination process of malignant cells. It is especially helpful in cases where the cancer has metastasized to distant organs via blood vessels and lymphatics. Chemotherapeutic drugs can be administered via intravenous route (through vein) or intravesical route (directly into the bladder). Chemotherapy can also be administered prior to surgery to reduce the size of the tumor but it can also be advised after surgery to successfully kill the remaining cells.
Radiation therapy, a rarely used method, utilizes high energy beams to destroy and kill cancer cells. It can also be combined with chemotherapy for effective treatment or after surgery to kill the remaining cells.
Prognosis of bladder cancer is dependent on several factors such as, age at diagnosis, stage of malignancy, metastasis, (or involvement of associated structures/ organs/ vessels) and histological variety of cancer.
Based on these factors, investigators suggested that the overall prognosis of bladder cancer is satisfactory in the presence of excellent therapeutic options.
Certain strategies that can help in minimizing the risk of bladder malignancy are.
Ploeg, M., Aben, K. K., & Kiemeney, L. A. (2009). The present and future burden of urinary bladder cancer in the world. World journal of urology, 27(3), 289-293.
Neal, D. E., Sharples, L., Smith, K., Fennelly, J., Hall, R. R., & Harris, A. L. (1990). The epidermal growth factor receptor and the prognosis of bladder cancer. Cancer, 65(7), 1619-1625.
Survival rates for bladder cancer by stage
Sylvester, R. J., van der Meijden, A. P., Oosterlinck, W., Witjes, J. A., Bouffioux, C., Denis, L., … & Kurth, K. (2006). Predicting recurrence and progression in individual patients with stage Ta T1 bladder cancer using EORTC risk tables: a combined analysis of 2596 patients from seven EORTC trials. European urology, 49(3), 466-477.