Urinary Bladder Cancer begins when cells in the urinary bladder start to grow uncontrollably. It is a type of malignancy arising from the epithelial lining (the urothelium) of the urinary bladder. It is a disease in which abnormal cells multiply without control in the bladder. The most common type of bladder cancer recapitulates the normal histology of the urothelium and is known as transitional cell carcinoma or more properly urothelial cell carcinoma.

The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower abdomen (pelvis), which collects and stores urine produced by the kidneys.. Bladder cancer occurs mostly among older individuals although it has been noted to appear among younger age groups as well. The average age of diagnosis is in the 60s. Cancer has a high rate of recurrence.
SYMPTOMS OF BLADDER CANCER

Early-stage tumors may not give any symptoms. Common symptoms of bladder cancer include:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Feeling as if you need to go right away, even when the bladder is not full
  • Having trouble urinating or having a weak urine stream
  • Frequent urination or feeling the need to urinate without results
  • These symptoms are not sure signs of bladder cancer. Infections, benign tumors, bladder stones or other problems also can cause these symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor so that the doctor can diagnose and treat any problem as early as possible. If there is blood in the urine, then one should be careful and should not neglect it.

RISK FACTORS OF URINARY BLADDER CANCER

Smoking: Smokers are more than twice as likely to get bladder cancer as those who do not.

Chemicals: Working in the dye, rubber, leather, textile, paint or print industries, or working with organic chemicals or chemicals called aromatic amines, increases a person’s chances of developing cancer if appropriate safety measures are not followed.
Race: Caucasians are twice as likely to develop bladder cancer as African-Americans.

Age: Most people found to have this disease are in their late 60’s
Long-Standing (Chronic) Bladder Problems: Bladder infections and kidney or bladder stones have been linked with bladder cancer, although they are not the causes of cancer.

Previously diagnosed with bladder cancer: Recurrence of bladder cancer occurs in 60% of patients. For this reason, follow-up is very important
Not drinking enough fluid
Whites are about twice as likely to develop bladder cancer as African Americans and Hispanics

About 9 out of 10 people with bladder cancer are older than 55
Whites are about twice as likely to develop bladder cancer as African Americans and Hispanics

More common in men than in women
Urinary infections, kidney and bladder stones, bladder catheters left in place a long time
Personal history of bladder or other urothelial cancer Bladder birth defects
Genetics and family history Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy