Is bladder cancer hereditary?

Written by Wang Jian
Urology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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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 Zou De Bo
Urology
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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 Hu Zhong Dong
Medical Oncology
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Can early-stage bladder cancer be cured?

Bladder cancer is a relatively common malignant tumor in the urinary system and tends to occur more frequently in males, with the incidence rate being three to four times higher than that in females. Painless hematuria is likely to be caused by bladder cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious when hematuria occurs and to seek medical examination at a hospital as soon as possible, such as urinalysis and bladder ultrasound exams, which are non-invasive and relatively inexpensive. Early-stage bladder cancer can potentially be cured, especially if it is superficial. However, patients with poorly differentiated and highly malignant forms may undergo infusion chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Studies have shown that patients with minor bladder cancer, after undergoing systematic treatment, have a relatively high five-year survival rate.

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Written by Guan Hai Fang
Urology
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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 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 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.