What is it and how is it treated?

Bladder cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the urinary bladder, called the bladder. This type of cancer usually starts in the cells that make up the inner layer of the bladder and can spread to deeper layers over time. Bladder cancer can present with a variety of symptoms and can be treated more successfully when detected early.

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer:
– Bloody urine (hematuria)
– Pain or burning sensation when urinating
– Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
– Difficulty or pain when urinating
– An abnormal appearance or odor when urinating

How is it diagnosed?
Bladder cancer is usually diagnosed using a range of tests and imaging methods. These tests include urine analysis, cystoscopy (using a tube to look inside the bladder), biopsy (taking a tissue sample) and imaging tests (for example, ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging).

Treatment Options:
Treatment of bladder cancer is determined depending on the stage of the disease, the extent of spread and the patient’s general health. Treatment options may include:
– Surgical intervention: Operations to remove the tumor.
– Radiotherapy: Killing cancer cells using high-energy rays.
– Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to destroy cancer cells.
– Targeted drug therapy: Targeting cancer cells with the use of drugs for specific targets.