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Bladder
Cancer
The bladder
is the hollow, muscular organ that lies in the pelvic region. It looks like an upside down
pyramid. The bladder stores the urine that is produced in the kidneys.
What to look for
Bladder cancer may not have
symptoms in the beginning, however, later on, symptoms may include:
blood in the urine.
frequent urinary tract
infections, painful urination, and a need to urinate often.
weight or appetite loss.
abdominal or back pain, fever, anaemia.
The bladder is lined with
specialised cells, and when it is irritated, extra layers of these cells develop. This
process may increase the chance of a cell turning cancerous.
Malignant tumours begin as
small lumps on the inside of the bladder, the cancer then spreads by going deeper into
bladder fibre and the surrounding tissue. If left untreated the cancer will eventually
invade the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
Like all cancers, the earlier
it is detected the more effective the treatment will be. Sometimes bladder tumours recur,
however, prompt detection and treatment means they can be stopped while they are still
superficial.
Causes
Cancer is more likely to
occur if the bladder has been chronically irritated. People with inborn disorders of the
bladder, chronic bladder infections, or persistent cystitis are more susceptible as well
as people who have benign bladder tumours.
The is a strong link with
bladder cancer and carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). Such as smokers, painters,
truckers, leatherworkers, machinists and metalworkers, rubber and textile workers, and
people exposed to industrial dyes. It has been reported that consumption of nitrates in
smoked and cured meats such as hams, may also be associated with bladder cancer, as may
consumption of caffeine and saccharin.
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