How is bladder cancer diagnosed?

Written by Guan Hai Fang
Urology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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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 scary?

Bladder cancer is the most common malignant tumor in urological surgery, primarily occurring in the bladder mucosa. Its symptoms include painless, intermittent gross hematuria, with nearly 100% of patients experiencing blood in the urine. The presence of hematuria should highly raise the suspicion of bladder cancer, and the examinations mainly include routine urinalysis and an ultrasound of the urinary system. Bladder cancer is not to be feared if it is detected and treated early. The surgery can be relatively simple, and minimally invasive treatment through the urethra, such as plasma electrosection or laser excision, is possible. Since bladder cancer can recur, postoperative management should include bladder perfusion therapy and regular cystoscopy re-examinations. Thus, bladder cancer is not to be feared, as early detection and treatment can lead to a cure.

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Written by Guan Hai Fang
Urology
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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 Liang
Oncology
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What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer's most common symptom is a consistent presence of painless gross hematuria. Some patients also exhibit frequent urination, urgency, and pain during urination as initial signs of bladder irritation. In advanced local stages, palpable pelvic tumors can be detected in patients, with symptoms such as urinary retention, lower abdominal pain, and inability to urinate. In the late stages of bladder cancer, patients may experience weight loss, back and flank pain, and signs of renal failure among other clinical manifestations.

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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.

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Written by Guan Hai Fang
Urology
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Is bladder cancer contagious?

Bladder cancer is not contagious, so there is no need to worry about that. Bladder cancer occurs when there is a cancerous transformation of bladder tissue, leading to the formation of bladder tumors. If the tumors are malignant, they are generally termed bladder cancer. Causes of bladder cancer can include long-term exposure to certain carcinogens, such as occupations involving dyes, leather, or paintwork. Another carcinogenic factor is smoking, which is related to about one-third of bladder cancer cases. Chronic infection or prolonged irritation by foreign bodies can also increase the risk of bladder cancer, as seen in cases with bladder stones, bladder diverticula, or chronic cystitis.