Bladder Cancer
Overview
What is Bladder Cancer
The bladder is lined with cells called transitional cells. The majority of bladder tumours arise from these cells and are called transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). TCC is a type of cancer and represents about 90% of bladder tumours. Other types of bladder cancer include squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. There are also benign (non-cancerous) tumours of the bladder, which generally do not come back after they are removed.
Symptoms
Although the exact cause of bladder cancer is unknown there are certain risk factors associated with the disease. The use of tobacco is a major risk factor as cigarette smokers are more likely to get bladder cancer. Pipe and cigar smokers are also at risk. Some workers have been found to be at higher risk of bladder cancer because of toxin exposure in their workplace.
Causes
Although the exact cause of bladder cancer is unknown there are certain risk factors associated with the disease. The use of tobacco is a major risk factor as cigarette smokers are more likely to get bladder cancer. Pipe and cigar smokers are also at risk. Some workers have been found to be at higher risk of bladder cancer because of toxin exposure in their workplace.
Bladder tumours are often diagnosed during the investigation of blood in the urine (haematuria). Occasionally, these tumours can cause urinary problems with pain or increased frequency and urgency to void. The diagnosis of bladder tumours is made after visual inspection of the bladder (Cystoscopy).
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of bladder tumours is made after visual inspection of the bladder (Cystoscopy). At times, they are identified on ultrasound examination of the bladder or CT Urogram, or on inspection of the urine for cancer cells (cytology) or other urinary markers. These tests take place in our rapid access haematuria clinic.
Once a tumour has been discovered it can be biopsied at the time of cystoscopy to make a diagnosis. More often, your urologist will recommend a surgical procedure to have the tumour scraped away using an instrument passed through the urethra (trans-urethral bladder tumour resection or TURBT).
Treatment
Under general anaesthesia (i.e. asleep), a telescope examination is made of the bladder using a camera mounted on the end of a tube passed through the water pipe (urethra). TURBT involves resecting the tumour using an electrical loop inserted into the urethra via a telescope. It cuts tissue and seals blood vessels as it removes the tumour. These are washed out at the end of the operation and sent for histological analysis. The procedure usually lasts between 30-60minutes and involves no incisions on the outside. A catheter is inserted for 24 hours, through which irrigation fluid flows into the bladder to rinse any blood in it.
