The wall of the bladder is lined with cells called transitional cells and
squamous cells. More than 90% of bladder cancers begin in the transitional
cells. This type of bladder cancer is called transitional cell carcinoma.
About 8 % of bladder cancer patients have squamous cell carcinomas. Cancer
that is only in cells in the lining of the bladder is called superficial
bladder cancer. Cancer that begins as a superficial tumor may grow through
the lining and into the muscular wall of the bladder. This is known as
invasive cancer. Invasive cancer may extend through the bladder wall.
The cause of bladder cancer is unknown, although there are many risk factors
that increase a person’s chance of developing the disease. Some
of these risk factors are age, tobacco usage, occupation, infections,
previous treatment with cytoxan or arsenic, race, being a man, family
history, and personal history of bladder cancer. Some of the common symptoms
of bladder cancer can include: blood in urine, pain during urination,
frequent urination, or feeling the need to urinate without results. People
with these symptoms may see their family doctor or a urologist, who specializes
in diseases of the urinary system.
Upon a doctor visit with a urologist the patient may have one or more of
the following tests: physical exam, urine tests, intravenous pyelogram,
and cystoscopy. During a cystoscopy the doctor may remove sample tissue,
called a biopsy to be sent to a pathologist for diagnosis. Staging is
sometimes done at the time of diagnosis, or sometimes additional tests
such as, CT scan, MRI, sonogram, intravenous pyelogram, bone scan, or
chest x-ray may need to be done. Sometimes staging is not done till surgery.
Once staging is complete the doctor may refer you to doctor who specializes
in treating cancer. Treatment generally begins within a few weeks after
diagnosis. Treatment may consist of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy,
or biological therapy. A treatment plan that is best for you will be decided
upon by you and your healthcare team.
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