Bladder Tumor

General Information on Bladder Tumor

Bladder tumors are growths of tissue that form on or in the bladder. The tumors can either be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are noncancerous tumors and do not spread. Benign tumors may be removed and typically do not re-grow after they are removed and rarely cause any major threats. Malignant tumors are cancerous and may spread to other parts of the body. Men are about twice as likely to develop bladder cancer. There are many different risks that cause people to become predisposed to bladder cancer. There are many different of things and industrial chemicals that can cause bladder cancer. The older someone is, the greater the odds for bladder cancer. Tobacco use greatly increases the odds for developing bladder cancer. About half of the cases of bladder cancer, tobacco use is an underlying cause. The majority of bladder cancer cases begin in the transitional cells. The wall of the bladder is lined with transitional and squamous cells. In many cases, the first sign of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. There are five stages of bladder cancer. The first stage of bladder cancer is when the cancer cells are only found on the inner lining of the bladder. The second stage of bladder cancer is when the cancer cells spread deeper into the lining of the bladder. The third stage of the bladder cancer is when the cancer cells have spread into the muscle lining of the bladder. The fourth stage of the bladder cancer is when the cancer cells have spread into the tissues surrounding the muscle lining of the bladder. The fifth stage of bladder cancer is when the cancer cells have spread beyond the bladder and to other areas of the body.

Symptoms of Bladder Tumor

Some of the symptoms of bladder tumors may be:

Blood in the urine
Frequent urination
Pain while urinating
Burning sensation while urinating
Bladder cysts – frequently occur simultaneously with bladder cancer

Treatments For Bladder Tumor

The treatment for bladder tumors is dependent on the type of tumor. Benign bladder tumors are typically surgically removed. Malignant bladder tumors are treated bases on the severity of the cancer. Should the bladder cancer remain on the on the surface of the bladder, surgery to remove the cancer may be all that is required. To help prevent re-growth of the cancer, it is not uncommon for anticancer medications and immune system stimulators to be administered. Should the cancer have spread further into the bladder, radiation or chemotherapy may be used to treat the cancer or part of or all of the bladder may be surgically removed. Should the cancer have spread to other areas of the body, chemotherapy is typically the treatment used.

Personal Experience

Bladder Tumor - personal experiences