Bladder Cancer in Panama
What is bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer begins its development when the cells that make up the tissues of the organ mutate and grow uncontrollably. This causes the progressive growth of a tumor that, if not controlled in time, can spread to other areas of the body.
Causes of bladder cancer
Despite current technological advances and many research studies on these topics, the causes that lead to the development of most cancers are still unknown.
However, several studies have identified some risk factors, linking them to the causes of bladder cancer:
Acquired genetic mutations:
Most of these occur over the course of a person’s life and are the result of exposure to chemicals.
For example, tobacco smoke is absorbed into the blood, filtered by the kidneys, and finally deposited in the urine that is stored in the bladder.
Inherited genetic mutations:
Some research indicates that some people inherit genetic changes from their parents that increase their risk of cancer. However, bladder cancer does not usually run in families, so it cannot be considered a primary cause.
Symptoms of bladder cancer
The presence of blood in the urine (hematuria) is one of the main symptoms of bladder cancer, but also the most common reason why a person decides to go to the doctor’s office; making this an advantage for its early detection.
On the other hand, there are symptoms that usually occur when there are common urinary tract infections. However, the important thing is to have a medical check-up to determine the precise diagnosis. These include:
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Weak flow when urinating
- Increased urinary frequency
- Feeling like you want to urinate (even knowing your bladder isn't full)
After bladder cancer is certain, the most specific symptoms are:
- Tiredness or weakness
- Edematization of the feet
- Bone pain
- Problems urinating
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
- Lower back pain
Bladder Cancer Diagnostic Process
First, bladder cancers are discovered from the first signs or as a result of tests done for some other medical reason.
However, there are several specific studies involved in the diagnostic process:
Urinalysis
From the laboratory analysis of a urine sample, it is possible to determine the presence of blood and other substances.
Cytology
Analyzing a urine sample under a microscope lets you know if precancerous cells are present. Although Pap smears help detect some cases, others may go unnoticed.
Urine culture
Urinary tract infections and bladder cancer share common symptoms. Although a urine culture takes a while to produce results, it is a reliable way to identify any bacterial growths.
Tumor markers
These tests can identify substances specifically related to bladder cancer cells, and must be repeated along with cytology before a diagnosis is assured.
Cystoscopy
If bladder cancer is already suspected, the urologist will recommend a cystoscopy. It is a study that uses a thin, long and flexible tube, with a light source and a small video camera, to facilitate direct observation of the internal structures.
Bladder biopsy
Transurethral bladder resection is performed when an abnormal area is seen. In these cases, small fragments of tissue are obtained, which are analyzed to find out if they contain cancer cells.
Bladder Cancer Treatments
As part of the treatment for bladder cancer, there are several options that the specialist can apply depending on the case.
Surgery for bladder cancer
The possibility of opting for the surgical alternative will depend on the stage or stage in which the patient is.
Intravesical therapy for bladder cancer
This technique allows the treating doctor to administer a liquid medication inside the bladder, which is kept there for 2 hours; directly affecting the cancer cells that cover it.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the treatment par excellence for almost all types of cancer. In the case of bladder cancer, there are two types of chemotherapy: intravesical, which is direct to the bladder; and systemic therapy, which is administered orally or by injection.
Radiotherapy
This treatment is most often used for bladder cancer, directing radiation from an external source to the precise site where the cancer has been located. Radiation therapy is often combined with chemotherapy, making the treatment more effective.
Immunotherapy
It involves the use of drugs that help activate the immune system, so that it recognizes and destroys cancer cells.
Importance of Early Detection of Bladder Cancer
Basically, early detection will always improve the chances that the treatment will be effective and its outcome completely satisfactory.
In fact, when bladder cancer is found in its early stages and it has not spread; The patient can receive treatment and surely win the battle.
Stages of Bladder Cancer
For the correct application of the treatment and to be aware of the patient’s real probabilities, it is necessary to know what stage the cancer is in.
Stage I
Cancer is detected only in the inner layer. The survival rate for these patients is 85%.
Stage II
Then there are patients whose cancer has spread to the thick inner layer of muscle. For them, the survival rate is 55%.
Stage III
At this stage, the spread of bladder cancer is greater; it can spread to nearby organs such as the prostate, uterus or vagina. For this stage, a survival rate of 35% is managed.
Stage IV
It is called the terminal stage or stage. The cancer has already spread to the abdomen, liver, lungs and bones; this being the most advanced stage of the disease and placing the patient’s survival rate at 10 – 15%.
Nursing Care for Patients with Bladder Cancer
Nursing staff play a fundamental role in the follow-up of cancer patients. Below are some of the main activities it carries out, in addition to many other responsibilities:
- Administers medications prescribed by the treating physician.
- Help coordinate medical appointments.
- Help with certain household chores.
- Provide ongoing psychological support.
- It supports in the administration of food and ensuring a healthy diet.
- He maintains direct contact with the medical team.
- It helps cope with the side effects of treatment.
How to prevent bladder cancer?
Although there is no prescription to prevent bladder cancer, some risk factors have been determined among patients with this condition; including age, gender, race, and family history.
Similarly, it is important to consider some measures that can help reduce risks; Including:
- Smoking: Smoking is known to be the cause of half of all cancers. That is why it is recommended to lower the daily dose, and in the best of cases, eliminate it completely.
- Exposure limit: In industrial areas that generate organic chemicals, there is an increased risk of developing bladder cancer. In these cases, exposed persons must comply with good occupational safety practices.
- Drink water: There is evidence that drinking plenty of water reduces an individual's risk of bladder cancer.
- Healthy eating: A healthy diet based on fruits and vegetables helps protect you against this and other types of cancer.
Frequently asked questions
Find the answer you’re looking for in this quick summary that brings together the most frequently asked questions related to bladder cancer.
At what stage does bladder cancer become terminal?
The stage where all cancers become terminal, including bladder cancer, is stage IV. At this point, the spread or spread of cancer cells has covered many areas of the body (metastasis).
Is bladder cancer hereditary?
Studies indicate that there are several types of cancer that can affect the bladder. Although it is uncommon for bladder cancer to run in families, genetics often play a role; however, there are other more relevant risk factors.
What is the life expectancy of patients with bladder cancer?
Because cancer is divided into stages or stages, the life expectancy rate also varies in each stage:
- When it is just beginning, life expectancy is 90%.
- When bladder cancer is localized, the rate is 70%.
- If it has spread to a nearby region (stage III), it reaches 35%.
- Finally, the survival rate when bladder cancer is distant or disseminated is only 5%.
Looking for an Oncologist in Panama?
"My greatest motivation as a Surgical Oncologist in Panama is to have the opportunity to help each patient find multiple reasons to keep fighting."
Insurance We Work With
