One of the most common symptoms of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. The color of your urine may change from pink to orange to darker red. This blood may be there for a few days and then disappear, but if you notice blood in your urine again, it might be bladder cancer. Urine tests can detect bladder cancer, but you may also experience pain or burning when peeing or difficulty urinating. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible.
Blood in the urine is the most common symptom of bladder cancer
While men are more likely to develop bladder cancer, women are at greater risk for the disease. Women may be oblivious to the first symptom, which is blood in the urine, believing it is due to menstruation or menopause. The fact is, however, that blood in the urine can be the most common symptom of bladder cancer, and may go unnoticed for weeks or even years.
While this symptom is generally not painful, it can help doctors determine whether a patient has bladder cancer. Women with blood in their urine should visit their doctor as soon as possible, if they notice it. Primary care physicians and gynecologists have different guidelines when it comes to diagnosing bladder cancer. These physicians are less likely to be able to recognize the symptoms of bladder cancer and may delay treatment.
Symptoms of bladder cancer in women include bleeding while urinating, frequent urination, and pain during urination. These symptoms may also be a sign of UTI, and it is important to consult a doctor as soon as you notice any of these problems. Once you have been diagnosed, your doctor will be able to arrange any further investigations needed to diagnose bladder cancer.
Despite the prevalence of the disease in women, it’s important to consult a doctor if you’re experiencing blood in the urine. Women are four times more likely than men to develop bladder cancer. However, despite the fact that men are four times more likely to develop bladder cancer, there are certain risk factors that can lead to the disease. Symptoms of bladder cancer in women are similar to those experienced by men.
Surgery is a common treatment option for bladder cancer
The best surgical procedure for bladder cancer depends on the stage and location of the cancer. Local excision, sometimes called polypectomy, is performed to remove precancerous polyps and small cancers. Another minimally invasive procedure, transurethral resection, removes the cancerous tissue through the urethra. The doctor uses a tool with a wire loop to cut the cancer away. Sometimes, the surgeon uses high-energy electricity to burn the tumor away.
A partial cystectomy (PCS) removes part of the bladder, which may be a good option for low-grade tumors. After surgery, patients can still urinate normally, but it can take months for the bladder to re-grow. Surgery can also include a urinary diversion (UTD) or an artificial valve that stores urine. Depending on the stage of the cancer, patients may require more frequent toileting.
Depending on the stage of the disease, patients may require a single or multiple treatments to successfully treat bladder cancer. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy all have their pros and cons. For instance, radiation therapy does not help prevent the cancer from coming back after surgery. Hence, it is mostly used in clinical trials. However, both treatments may have side effects. Therefore, patients should discuss all options with their medical team before making a decision.
A radical cystectomy, also known as a radical cystectomy, involves the removal of the bladder and surrounding organs. The procedure will remove the entire bladder, associated lymph nodes, and the semen glands. It may also remove part of the uterus and fallopian tubes. Additionally, the uterus, fallopian tubes, and part of the vagina are also removed.
Having a family history of bladder cancer increases the risk
In general, people are more likely to develop bladder or colorectal cancer if they have a family member who had it. Other factors may increase the risk as well, such as a prior bladder cancer diagnosis. Having a family history of bladder cancer, or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer), may increase a person’s risk of developing bladder or colorectal cancer.
The presence of a family member with bladder cancer significantly increases the risk of developing the disease. The impact of family history on bladder cancer is largely unknown. The risk can be modified by age, gender, and other characteristics of the family. For example, a first-degree relative who has had bladder cancer is nearly three times more likely to develop the disease. If that family member had any other cancers, such as breast, thyroid, or melanoma, the risk increases by nearly twofold.
Another risk factor for bladder cancer is cigarette smoking. It’s estimated that smoking contributes to half of all bladder cancer cases. Although men are four times more likely to develop bladder cancer than women, they are twice as likely to have a family member with the disease. It’s also important to note that bladder cancer recurs at the highest rate of any other cancer type.
In addition to cigarettes, people who are exposed to hazardous chemicals in the workplace can increase their risk of developing bladder tumors. Exposure to dyes, paint, and printing products can also increase the risk of bladder cancer. Significant exposure to diesel fumes and the chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide may also increase the risk of developing the disease. Additionally, women who are exposed to contaminated water, such as water with naturally high levels of arsenic, may be at risk for the disease.
Lifestyle changes to prevent bladder cancer
Smoking is a huge risk factor for developing bladder cancer. Smoking causes half of all new cases. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of bladder cancer. Drinking enough water is also important. Drinking water dilutes toxins found in urine. Also, avoid holding your pee, and empty your bladder as frequently as you can. In addition to drinking plenty of water, try to avoid processed meats such as hot dogs and sausage. Eating lots of green leafy vegetables can reduce your risk of developing bladder cancer.
Foods that are rich in protein and vitamins may be easier to digest for women with bladder cancer. Fruits and vegetables with plenty of fiber are excellent choices. Nutritional supplement shakes can be a convenient way to increase your daily calorie intake. Several supplements may also be helpful. Ginger tea and ginger candies may relieve your symptoms. Some people have had success following a Mediterranean diet. A Mediterranean diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
In addition to making positive lifestyle changes, some studies have shown a link between a high-fiber diet and reduced risk of bladder cancer. While many studies have shown that vegetables do not help prevent cancer, they can significantly reduce other types of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is also beneficial for your digestive health. Consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. If you can, eat more vegetables and fruits. You may even see a difference in your bladder cancer symptoms.
Physical activity and diet may also reduce your risk of developing bladder cancer. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) funded the Be-Well Study, which is a prospective cohort study of women with newly diagnosed NMIBC. This study is recruiting from Kaiser Permanente, the largest integrated health delivery system in the U.S. It is unclear whether physical activity improves bladder cancer risk, but there is no reason to ignore it altogether.
Follow-up tests for bladder cancer that recurs after treatment
Following treatment for bladder cancer involves periodic medical tests and physical examinations to monitor the disease and its progression. Medical professionals may recommend regular cystoscopies or perform other tests to evaluate the patient’s health and overall well-being. Depending on the stage of cancer, follow-up care may include regular blood and urine tests and even CT scanning. Survivors may also continue to see their oncologist, but they should consider the options available to them.
The earliest possible diagnosis is necessary to ensure a successful outcome. After treatment, a small percentage of bladder cancer patients develop cancer of the urethra, which is called recurrent urethral cancer. Treatment for this cancer is different from that for other forms of the disease. Follow-up tests are recommended if women notice discolored urine or other symptoms that point to cancer.
Cancer of the bladder can spread to the lamina propria, the layer of tissue that lines the bladder, and to the muscle layer surrounding it. While cancer in T2a and T2b are superficial, they can invade the muscle layer and reach the fatty layer that surrounds the bladder. When it reaches T3, it has spread to lymph nodes and organs. Patients should seek treatment for any recurrence of bladder cancer as soon as possible.
Urine cytology, urine culture, and biopsy are common follow-up tests for bladder cancer that recurrence after treatment in women. Urinalysis will examine urine samples for cancer cells, hematuria, or white blood cell count. Urine cytology will help rule out infection or other possible problems. Urine tumor markers are commonly detected during urine analyses. Cystoscopy will also be used to retrieve samples for a bladder biopsy.