What is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the lining of the bladder. The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine before it leaves the body.
Most bladder cancers begin in the inner lining of the bladder, called the urothelium. This type is known as urothelial (transitional cell) carcinoma, which is the most common form of bladder cancer.
Bladder cancer can range from superficial (non–muscle invasive) disease affecting only the bladder lining to muscle-invasive disease, which grows deeper into the bladder wall.
Bladder Cancer
Common Symptoms
The most common symptom of bladder cancer is:
Blood in the Urine (Haematuria)
This may appear as:
Pink, red, or brown urine
Blood that comes and goes
Blood without pain
Other possible symptoms include:
Frequent urination
Urgency to urinate
Pain or burning during urination
Difficulty passing urine
Pelvic or lower abdominal pain (in more advanced cases)
These symptoms can also occur with other urinary conditions, so medical evaluation is important.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of bladder cancer.
Smoking
Smoking is the most important risk factor. Chemicals from tobacco are filtered by the kidneys and stored in the bladder, where they may damage the bladder lining.
Age
Bladder cancer is more common in older adults, particularly those over 60 years of age.
Occupational Exposure
Long-term exposure to certain industrial chemicals used in:
Dye industries
Rubber manufacturing
Leather processing
Printing and textiles
may increase risk.
Chronic Bladder Irritation
Long-standing irritation of the bladder may increase risk, such as:
Recurrent urinary infections
Long-term catheter use
Bladder stones
Previous Cancer Treatments
Certain chemotherapy drugs or pelvic radiation may increase the risk of bladder cancer.
How is Bladder Cancer Diagnosed?
Several tests may be used to diagnose bladder cancer.
Urine Tests
Urine Tests
Urinalysis
Checks for blood or infection in the urine.
Urine Cytology
Examines urine under a microscope for abnormal or cancerous cells.
Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy is the most important test for diagnosing bladder cancer.
During this procedure:
A small flexible camera (cystoscope) is passed through the urethra into the bladder.
The doctor directly examines the bladder lining.
If an abnormal area is seen, a biopsy may be performed.
Imaging Tests
CT Scan (CT Urogram)
A CT scan provides detailed images of the urinary tract to identify abnormalities in the bladder, kidneys, or ureters.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound may detect bladder masses or other abnormalities.
Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT)
If a tumour is suspected, a procedure called TURBT may be performed.
During this procedure:
The tumour is removed through the urethra using specialised instruments.
Tissue samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis.
This procedure helps determine the type, grade, and stage of the cancer.
Types of Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is generally classified into two main categories.
Non–Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
The cancer is limited to the inner lining of the bladder.
This type is the most common and usually has a good prognosis, but it may recur and requires regular monitoring.
Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
The cancer has grown into the muscle layer of the bladder wall.
This type is more serious and usually requires more aggressive treatment.
Treatment Options
Treatment for Non–Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
Transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT)
Intravesical therapy, where medication is placed directly into the bladder
Common intravesical treatments include:
BCG therapy (immunotherapy)
Chemotherapy instilled into the bladder
Treatment for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Treatment options may include:
Radical cystectomy (surgical removal of the bladder)
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Combination treatments
Your doctor will discuss the most appropriate treatment plan.
Follow-Up and Monitoring
Bladder cancer has a tendency to recur, so regular follow-up is important.
Follow-up may include:
Repeat cystoscopy
Urine tests
Imaging scans
The frequency of monitoring depends on the risk of recurrence and progression.
When to Seek Medical Advice
You should see a doctor if you notice:
Blood in the urine
Persistent urinary symptoms
Pain when urinating
Unexplained urinary changes
Early diagnosis greatly improves treatment outcomes.
