The increasing incidence of urinary bladder cancer around the globe could be attributed to the adverse effects of cigarette smoking, industrial carcinogens, and the aging population. It is currently one of the top 10 most common urological malignancies worldwide.
Due to this, advancements in its diagnosis and management have been made that decreased its mortality rate in the last few years. These two elements helped bladder cancer patients to have greater chances of surviving.
How Common is Bladder Cancer?
The urinary bladder is a hollow organ that is part of the urinary system. It is a flexible muscle that stretches to hold urine before sending it out of the body through urinating. The muscles in the bladder contract during urination as the liquid is forced out of the body through the urethra.
However, the uncontrollable growth of cells in the urinary bladder causes bladder cancer, in which the tumors could spread to other parts of the body.
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 81,180 new cases of bladder cancer in the US in 2022, wherein 61,700 are men and 19,480 are women. The mortality rate is higher in men than women at 12,120 and 4,980, respectively.
The rates of bladder cancer mortality have been decreasing slightly in women in recent years, while incident rates in men have been decreasing, but its mortality rate remains stable. Bladder cancer is now the fourth most prevalent cancer in men but not so common in women.
Diagnosing Bladder Cancer
Patients undergo a series of tests and procedures to diagnose bladder cancer, according to Mayo Clinic. These procedures may include cystoscopy or the process of using a scope to examine the inside of the bladder, biopsy or the process of removing a sample of tissue for testing, urine cytology that examines urine sample, and imaging tests that allow the physician to examine the structures of the urinary tract.
After confirming the bladder cancer, doctors sometimes recommend additional tests to know the extent of the cancer. The tests may include CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) bone scan, and chest x-ray. The information from these tests will help doctors assign cancer a stage.
Furthermore, bladder cancer is classified based on how cells appear under a microscope. In other words, they will be graded as either low-grade or high-grade.
Advancements in Treatment and Management
Surgery is the primary option during the early stages of bladder cancer. According to The Health Site, surgeons operate minimally invasive techniques, robotic surgery, and reconstruction procedures.
But when the bladder is removed, urinary diversions are performed through cystectomy to still allow the body to store urine. However, they could also make an artificial bladder using a part of the small or large intestine inside the body or connect it to the urethra to create a Neobladder.
In terms of treatment, urologists use different types of therapy. These include intravesical therapy, medication, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. In conclusion, modern advancements aid in early detection, improve management, and increase the patient's quality of life.
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