Bladder cancer: risk factors, symptoms and modern treatment

Bladder cancer occurs when cells in the inner lining of the bladder grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. The bladder is a balloon-shaped organ in the pelvis that stores urine until it is excreted. Although bladder cancer can occur at any age, it most commonly affects older adults. The good news is that in many cases, it is detected at an early stage and is then highly treatable.

Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer

Several factors can increase the risk of bladder cancer:

• Smoking: The most significant and scientifically best-established risk factor—smokers develop the disease significantly more often
• Chemical substances: Occupational exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., in the dye, rubber, or leather industries) increases the risk
• Radiation: Previous radiation therapy to the pelvic area can increase the risk of bladder cancer
• Chronic infections: Recurrent bladder infections or infections with certain parasites (e.g., schistosomes) also play a role

Symptoms and Warning Signs

You should watch for the following signs:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria): The most important warning sign—the urine may appear reddish or brownish. However, sometimes the blood is only detectable under a microscope
• Pain in the pelvic area: May be an indication of advanced disease
• Back pain: Especially in advanced bladder cancer
• Difficulty urinating: Pain or a change in urination patterns

Blood in the urine can have many causes—it is not always cancer. Nevertheless, any visible blood in the urine should be promptly evaluated by a urologist.

Diagnosis via cystoscopy

The most important diagnostic procedure is cystoscopy. During this procedure, a thin camera is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to directly examine the inner wall of the bladder. Urinalysis and an ultrasound examination are also performed. If a suspicious finding is detected, a tissue sample may be taken.

Treatment of Bladder Cancer

For tumors in the early stages, endoscopic resection (TUR-B) is often sufficient. In this procedure, the tumor is removed from the bladder wall through the urethra—a relatively minimally invasive procedure that does not require an external incision.

Why Is Follow-Up Care So Important?

Bladder cancer has a tendency to recur even after successful treatment—sometimes only years later. That is why regular follow-up examinations over several years are an indispensable part of aftercare. Through close monitoring, recurrences can be detected early and treated in a timely manner.

If you notice blood in your urine or have other symptoms, please schedule an appointment with UROMED as soon as possible.