BLADDER TUMOR

BAsic information

description

An abnormal tissue growth in the bladder. It may be cancerous or noncancerous. If the tumor is cancerous, it may spread to lymph nodes, bones, liver, and/or lungs. The tumors are most common in people over age 50 and occur more often in men than women.

frequent signs and symptoms

• There are often no symptoms in the early stages.
• Blood in the urine.
• Pain or burning when urinating.
• Needing to urinate more frequently. There may be only small amounts of urine passed.
• Fever.
• Unexplained weight loss.

causes

Unknown in some cases. Exposure to cancer-causing substances in the environment may be the cause in some cases.

risk increases with

• Smoking.
• Family history of bladder tumors.
• Exposure to certain dyes or to chemicals used in the manufacture of rubber.

preventive measures

• Avoid exposure to chemical or environmental hazards. Improved methods of protecting workers from chemical hazards have lowered the number of bladder tumors. Regular screening of those who have been exposed in the past is also helpful.
• Don't smoke.

expected outcomes

When diagnosed early, treatment can be successful. However, it is common for the tumors to return. Regular medical checkups are needed. If cancer has spread, the outcome will depend on many factors.

POSsible complications

• Spread of cancer to other places in the body.
• Emotional stress about changes in body image.
• Side effects of treatments, such as extreme fatigue.
• Treatment can lead to infertility for men and women.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. Medical tests include urine studies. A lighted optical instrument (cystoscope) may be used to see inside the bladder. It can also be used to remove a small piece of tissue, or even a small tumor, for examination under a microscope. X-ray, MRI, CT, or other tests may be done to see if a cancerous tumor has spread (called staging).
• Treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy (anticancer drugs) and biologic therapy.
• Small tumors may be removed by fulguration. This involves burning off the tumor by high frequency electrical current passed through the cystoscope.
• Larger tumors are removed surgically. This may require removal of part or all of the bladder (cystectomy) and other nearby body organs that may be involved. Various options are available for creation of a new bladder or to divert the urine flow to an external device (ostomy bag) on the outside of the body.
• Radiation and biologic therapy (the body's immune system is used to fight cancer) may be recommended.
• Counseling is helpful in learning to cope with the changes in your body.
• To learn more: 1) The American Cancer Society, 800-ACS-2345; website: cancer.org; or 2) National Cancer Institute at 800-4-CANCER; website: www.nci.nih.gov.

medications

• Anticancer drugs may be prescribed that are taken by mouth or given through a vein (IV).
• Drugs may be placed inside the bladder (biologic therapy); then a person waits 2 to 3 hours before urinating.

activity

Resume your normal activities once your health care provider gives approval. This includes sexual relations.

diet

No special diet.

notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of a bladder tumor.
• Prescribed drugs produce unexpected side effects.