Bladder Cancer occurs in male patient more than female patient. After the age of 50 year-old is considered at high risk. It is not clear how bladder cancer occurs. However, researches showed that bladder cancer might relate to smoking, hairdye, chemical preparation, and some certain ingredients in herbal medicines (such as aristolochic acids).

The most common symptoms for bladder cancer include painless hematuria, frequent urination, urgency, dysuria, and urinated difficulty.  

Checkups

Urine checkup, intravenous pyleography (IVP)/ CT, and cystoscope.

Treatments

The treatment options for bladder cancer depend on tumor differentiation and stages and patient’s physical conditions. Patients with superficial bladder cancer can receive trans urethral resection of bladder tumour to remove tumor. Patients with bladder cancer with muscular layer invasion should receive bladder removal procedure and artificial bladder surgery. Patients with cancer spreading outside the bladder can go through chemotherapy or radiation therapy before or after surgery.

Prevention

• Quit smoking
• Wear a mask and gloves when in touch with paints and dye. Ensure good airflow in the working area.
• Drink plenty of water to enhance toxic discharge.
• Do not use much over-the-counter medicine, herbs, or non-prescription Chinese medicine.
• Seek physicians for help when hematuria occurs.

Conclusion

The prognosis of bladder cancer is significantly related to the stages of the tumor. When painless hematuria occurs, patients should go to urologists for further checkups to receive early treatment if needed.