How is bladder cancer caused?

Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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The causes of bladder cancer are not very clear so far, and they are related to factors such as environment, genetics, and lifestyle habits. However, two major risk factors are quite clear: one is smoking, and the other is long-term exposure to aromatic amines, which are occupational factors that are significant risks for causing bladder cancer.

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How to prevent bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the urinary system. Currently, the exact cause of bladder cancer is not clear. In terms of prevention, it is generally necessary to drink more water, urinate more frequently, try not to smoke, and reduce exposure to chemical irritants, such as paint, chemical substances, etc. Additionally, an annual physical examination is recommended to enable early detection and early treatment.

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Written by Guan Hai Fang
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The difference between bladder tumor and bladder cancer is that a bladder tumor may be benign or malignant, whereas bladder cancer specifically refers to a malignant tumor.

The difference between bladder tumors and bladder cancer generally lies in whether the growth inside the bladder is benign or malignant. Normally, nothing should grow inside the bladder. However, if a growth does appear, it can be referred to as a bladder tumor if it is benign, or bladder cancer if it is malignant. Bladder tumors are typically round with clear boundaries, which can be observed through ultrasound or cystoscopy. On the other hand, if the growth in the bladder resembles seaweed or cauliflower, with unclear boundaries, erosion, bleeding, or other symptoms, it can be referred to as bladder cancer. Generally, the primary treatment for such cases is surgical removal.

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Written by Wang Jian
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Treatment of bladder cancer

For the treatment of bladder cancer, it is necessary first to confirm the diagnosis of bladder cancer through routine urine tests, ultrasonographic examination of the urinary system, cystoscopy, and imaging studies of the urinary system. It is important to determine the location, area, and malignancy of the bladder tumor. For early-stage superficial bladder tumors or tumors on the bladder wall with fewer numbers, minimally invasive surgery can be performed, followed by bladder perfusion to prevent recurrence of the bladder tumor. In the second scenario, if the bladder tumor is multiple and larger, and has a higher degree of malignancy in the bladder trigone area, then a radical cystectomy is required. Radical cystectomy involves the removal of the bladder along with the prostate in males or the uterus in females, followed by the creation of a urinary diversion, typically through these two treatment methods.

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Written by Guan Hai Fang
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How is bladder cancer treated?

How is bladder cancer treated? Currently, the primary treatment option for bladder cancer is surgery, which can include procedures like transurethral tumor resection, bladder tumor resection, urethral tumor resection through the bladder, and cystectomy, among others. The specific surgical approach is selected based on factors such as the location and size of the bladder cancer. Besides surgical removal of the bladder, other treatment methods such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, new technology treatments, and traditional Chinese medicine are also available as adjunct therapies. The formulation of a treatment plan should comprehensively consider factors such as the location, size, and stage of the bladder cancer.

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Written by Liu Mei Fen
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What is the best medicine for bladder cancer infusion?

Bladder perfusion chemotherapy involves infusing chemotherapy drugs directly into the bladder through a catheter to control tumor growth and reduce the recurrence rate after surgery. Generally, the drugs with significant effects on bladder perfusion fall into three categories. The first category is the anthracyclines, including doxorubicin, epirubicin, and pirarubicin. The second category includes platinum-based drugs such as cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin. The third category is vinorelbine. According to current big data research, vinorelbine bladder perfusion tends to have a lower recurrence rate. Without postoperative bladder perfusion chemotherapy, 60%-70% of patients will eventually experience recurrence. With bladder perfusion chemotherapy, the recurrence rate can be reduced to 20%-30%.