Bladder cancer is the second most common tumor of the genitourinary system. Its incidence usually occurs in patients around 50 years of age. In order to understand this disease a little more, Dr. Mercant Ramirez explains it to us.
Detection of bladder cancer
The determining and indicative symptom of bladder cancer is hematuria, i.e. urinating blood. This first sign usually appears spontaneously, without pain and with some clots.
From the point of view of imaging tests, the two fundamental ones are Vesical and Renal Ultrasound and Uro-CT, through which we will try to determine the extension and infiltration of the cancer.
Cystoscopy is a test by means of which the bladder is observed with a device called cystoscope, which is introduced through the urethra, carrying a built-in light. This study should almost always be performed to complete the diagnosis and thus begin planning the intervention.
Stages of bladder cancer
Bladder cancer is basically divided on the basis of two criteria: infiltrating and non-infiltrating. This elementary classification is completed with the anatomopathological study of the tumor once it has been removed, with the aim of completing its identification and, based on this, the treatment.
Treatment of bladder cancer
Based on the above classification, treatment is performed by removing the non-infiltrating tumor through the urethra without the need to open the urethra, which in medicine is called TUR (Transurethral Resection). Sometimes the entire bladder is removed, in the case of very aggressive infiltrating tumors, performing a neobladder with bowel. This procedure can now be performed laparoscopically. Treatment must, in many cases, be completed with chemotherapy or local and/or systemic immunotherapy.
Prevention of bladder cancer
The most recommended way worldwide is not to smoke or be in smoking environments much in order not to be passive smokers.