What are the symptoms of the disease

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From: Caroline Gehrmann

The first signs of bladder cancer and what are the risk factors for the development of bladder tumors – an overview.

Berlin – Malignant tumors of the urinary bladder form more frequently in older people. Men are more frequently affected by bladder cancer than women. They are also younger, on average, at 73 when the disease occurs than women, who are on average 77 when they are diagnosed with bladder cancer. The tumors usually originate from the bladder mucosa. This is the case for seven out of ten sufferers. For the rest, it’s already grown into the muscle layer, like this German Cancer Research Center in the Helmholtz Association explained.

Around 31,000 people in Germany are diagnosed with bladder cancer every year.

The first signs of bladder cancer are usually non-specific – men are affected more often than women

Just like many other cancers Bladder cancer often causes no or very unspecific symptoms at the beginning. But there are some signs that can be the first indication of a bladder tumor. However, these can also have other causes, so it is always important to see a specialist if you have any of the following early symptoms of bladder cancer:

  • Blood in the urine: urination does not cause pain, but the urine is reddish or brown in color
  • frequent urge to urinate; but only a small amount of urine is passed
  • very rarely urination is painful

These signs do not only appear with bladder cancer, but also with other diseases – for example with a bladder infection. However, an acute urinary tract infection usually also causes very severe, cramping pain. You should always go to the doctor with such symptoms so that an infection does not become chronic or spread. Chronic inflammation of the urinary bladder is also one of the risk factors for bladder cancer. Only a specialist can find out whether the symptoms are caused by a tumor or something else. In general, the same applies to bladder cancer: The earlier the cancer is discoveredthe better the chances of recovery.

Prognosis for bladder cancer is very good – because tumors are usually discovered early

Tumor diseases in general sometimes cause initial, non-specific symptoms at the beginning. The earlier cancer is detected, the better the chances of recovery. This also applies to bladder carcinomas. According to the German Cancer Society very good, since the tumors are discovered at an early stage in 75 percent of those affected. Whether a tumor returns depends on how deep it has grown and how aggressive it is. The symptoms of advanced bladder cancer are much more obvious than at the beginning of the disease. The following symptoms then often appear:

  • Pain in abdomen and kidney area
  • Enlarged lymph nodes and swelling if the tumor has already metastasized or is crowding out lymphatics and veins
  • bone pain

These symptoms can indicate bladder cancer, but they can also have other causes. That German Cancer Research Center points out that long-lasting complaints in particular should not be taken lightly. A visit to the doctor can then clarify the situation.

In the case of bladder cancer, the first indication can be reddish or brown-colored urine. But he often looks normal. ©Panthermedia/IMAGO

Bladder cancer symptoms do not differ between men and women

A regulated early detection program for bladder cancer does not yet exist in Germany, as no suitable examination method for general bladder cancer screening has yet been found. For this reason, the medical side tends to rely on targeted diagnostics in the event of a suspicion. In this case, an ultrasound examination of the bladder and a palpation of the kidney and pelvic area will be carried out in any case.

There is no regular early detection program for bladder cancer

A cystoscopy with tissue removal is also one of the common diagnostic procedures. A cystoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder under local anesthesia. The doctor can examine the bladder wall from the inside and check for changes in the mucous membrane.

According to the German Cancer Society The mortality rate from bladder cancer is falling more and more – even in older patients. Age is still one of the main risk factors for the development of tumors in the urinary bladder. But there are other factors that increase the risk of developing the disease. This includes:

  • Tobacco use: Experts blame it for about half of all bladder cancers. The more a person smokes, the higher their risk, but passive smokers are also at risk.
  • Occupational risk: When someone comes into contact with carcinogenic substances at work. The risk of falling ill exists up to 40 years after initial contact.
  • Medicines: For example, certain diabetes or cancer drugs, which, however, are only administered very rarely.
  • Infections and bladder irritation: Chronic inflammatory damage to the bladder mucosa, for example due to bladder stones or untreated infections.
  • Diet and lifestyle: A high-fat, low-fruit diet can increase risk, as can consuming alcohol. Those who generally drink little liquid are also more at risk, since pollutants remain in the bladder longer and their concentration is higher.

Treatment of a diagnosed bladder tumor differs depending on the stage of the disease. If it is early and limited to the bladder wall without growing into the muscle layer, it is usually removed with an instrument inserted into the bladder through the urethra. A second operation is often performed after two to six weeks to minimize the risk of the tumor coming back.

Early-stage bladder cancer is treated locally with drugs or with surgery

In addition, local chemotherapy or therapy with a weakened live vaccine can be carried out after the operation. For this purpose, drugs that only have a local effect are introduced into the bladder via a catheter. However, this does not make sense in all tumor stages. If the tumor has already grown into the muscles, the bladder must be removed. However, this is far less often necessary. So that it doesn’t come to that, there are a few Ways to reduce your personal cancer riskthat can also be implemented in everyday life. Experts advise, above all, with the Smoking to quit and, if possible, not to passively expose yourself to tobacco smoke.

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