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.

Written by Guan Hai Fang
Urology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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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 Liu Liang
Oncology
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Does bladder cancer require the removal of the bladder?

Whether or not to remove the entire bladder in cases of bladder cancer depends on whether the tumor has invaded the base layer and whether there is distant metastasis. For non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, where the muscle layer is not invaded and there is no distant metastasis, typically found in stage 0 and stage 1 bladder cancer patients, there is no need for complete removal of the bladder. The standard treatment in such cases generally involves transurethral resection of the bladder tumor. If the tumor has invaded the base layer but there is no distant metastasis, termed muscle-invasive bladder cancer, patients in this category require radical cystectomy, which involves the removal of the entire bladder. If there is distant metastasis, termed metastatic bladder cancer, surgical treatment is not pursued; instead, palliative chemotherapy is the primary approach.

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Written by Zou De Bo
Urology
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Is a bladder tumor the same as bladder cancer?

Not all bladder tumors are bladder cancer, as we all know, all tumors can be benign or malignant. Of course, bladder tumors can also be benign or malignant. Only malignant bladder tumors are considered bladder cancer. If some bladder tumors are benign, they cannot be called bladder cancer. Therefore, no matter how a bladder tumor is diagnosed, whether it is benign or malignant, it should be treated as soon as possible.

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Written by Wu Xia
Oncology
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Diet for Bladder Cancer Patients

From the perspective of Western medicine, the diet for bladder cancer patients involves drinking plenty of water, avoiding spicy foods, and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco. Patients should also ensure they get enough vitamins by consuming fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, it is important to consume adequate nutrition including eggs, meat, and fish, and patients should not hold in urine. However, from the perspective of Chinese medicine, bladder cancer patients should avoid foods that induce excessive internal heat, such as lamb and seafood, and should also avoid cold or chilled foods.

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Written by Guan Hai Fang
Urology
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How is bladder cancer diagnosed?

Firstly, imaging examinations such as ultrasound can be conducted, which if reveal tumors larger than 0.5 cm can serve as an initial screening for patients; IVU (Intravenous Urography) can show larger tumors as filling defects. Cystoscopy can also be performed by inserting a cystoscope to directly examine the bladder's shape, size, etc. If it appears round, with clear boundaries and without erosion, it is generally benign; if it has a cauliflower-like or seaweed-like appearance, it is generally malignant bladder cancer. Urine tests can also be conducted; cells from tumors found in fresh urine can lead to cytological examination of urine as an initial screening. Additionally, if conditions permit, a physical examination including a bimanual examination of the bladder can be done to preliminarily assess the tumor's size, the extent of invasion, depth, and its relationship with the pelvic wall.

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Written by Wang Jian
Urology
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Is bladder cancer hereditary?

Bladder cancer is the most common malignant tumor in urology, occurring on the mucosa of the bladder and is also one of the top ten common tumors globally. The etiology of bladder cancer is complex, involving both intrinsic genetic factors and external environmental factors, which gives bladder cancer a hereditary tendency. Notable among the major risk factors are smoking and occupational exposure to aromatic amines, with 30% to 50% of bladder cancers caused by smoking. The incidence of bladder cancer significantly increases with the duration of smoking. The initial clinical manifestation of bladder cancer is usually hematuria, typically painless and intermittent gross hematuria. The presence of blood in urine should prompt further diagnostic testing to rule out malignant tumors in the bladder.