Bladder tumor pathology is the most common malignant pathology of the urinary tract. In fact, it is the seventh most common tumor in men and the seventeenth in women. In Spain, this disease has the highest rate in Europe, appearing most commonly in patients over 55 years of age (90%).
Risk factors for bladder cancer
The two most important carcinogenic factors that influence its appearance are, on the one hand, cigarette smoking and, on the other, occupational exposure.
Male patients of advanced age and with a long history of smoking, as we have seen above, are the group at greatest risk. If the data are taken into account, cigarette users are two to four times more at risk of bladder cancer than non-smokers. This risk increases depending on the amount and duration of smoking. In other words: if consumption is greater and prolonged over time, the risk increases.
In relation to occupational exposure, this second carcinogen accounts for 10% of all cases. A patient who is repeatedly and prolongedly exposed to different chemical agents has a higher risk of developing a bladder tumor pathology. Among the most important chemicals are aromatic amines, and the professions most exposed to this carcinogen are painters, metal and paper workers, varnishers and hairdressers.
Symptoms of bladder cancer
The first and most revealing symptom or sign of bladder cancer is hematuria, also known as blood in the urine. If the patient presents this abnormality, even if it is isolated or intermittent, an urgent evaluation by a Urology professional is mandatory.
Diagnosis of bladder cancer
At the first consultation, the doctor will not only perform a careful examination, but also an imaging study of the patient. In fact, abdominal ultrasound is essential to determine the nature and stage of the pathology. On many other occasions, an endoscopic exploration of the bladder is required to achieve an optimal approach to the condition.
Many centers specialized and focused on urology carry out this endoscopic exploration. In particular, some of them perform it through a flexible digital videourethrocystoscope, which makes it possible to rule out or diagnose the presence of cancer very early and with little discomfort.
Once diagnosed, the treatment will consist of performing a subsequent transurethral removal of the bladder tumor, adapting the subsequent controls to the results obtained after the detailed analysis of the sample.