Bladder Carcinoma: Bladder Cancer Stages and Information

Author: Thomas C. Weiss - Contact: Contact Details
Published: 2009/04/01 - Updated: 2023/01/28
Peer-Reviewed: N/A
On This Page: Summary - Main Article - About/Author

Synopsis: Bladder Carcinoma or bladder cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the bladder. Most bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas. Other types include squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The cells that form squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma develop in the bladder's inner lining due to chronic irritation and inflammation. Studies have shown that several risk factors may contribute to the development of bladder cancer. The most common type of bladder cancer recapitulates the normal histology of the urothelium and is known as transitional cell carcinoma or, more appropriately, urothelial cell carcinoma. Five-year survival rates in the United States are around 77%.

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Bladder Carcinoma Alternate Names:

Invasive Bladder Cancer, Bladder Carcinoma, Invasive Bladder Carcinoma, Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder, Transitional Cell Cancer of the Bladder, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder, Squamous Cell Cancer of the Bladder, Adenocarcinoma of the Bladder, Urinary Cancer, Urinary Carcinoma

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has included Bladder Cancer with distant metastases - inoperable or resectable as a Compassionate Allowance to expedite a disability claim.

Bladder cancer is defined as any of several types arising from the urinary bladder's epithelial lining (i.e., the urothelium). Rarely is the bladder involved in non-epithelial cancers, such as lymphoma or sarcoma, but these are not ordinarily included in the colloquial term "bladder cancer." It is a disease in which abnormal cells multiply without control in the bladder. Bladder cancer is a tumor within the bladder, usually starting with the cells lining the bladder walls.

Most bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas. Other types include squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The cells that form squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma develop in the inner lining of the bladder as a result of chronic irritation and inflammation.

Cancer that begins in the transitional cells may spread through the lining of the bladder and invade the bladder's muscle wall or spread to nearby organs and lymph nodes. This is called Invasive Bladder Cancer. These abnormal cells multiply without control.

The tumor may or may not be malignant depending on the invasiveness of the type of cancer. The cause of bladder cancer is uncertain, as with most types of cancer. Studies have shown that several risk factors may contribute to the development of bladder cancer.

About 25 percent of bladder cancer can be attributed to the exposure to cancer-causing chemicals or carcinogens in the workplace. The chemicals that belong to the Arylamines and Benzidine families are considered the most responsible. Arylamines exposure was very high in Dye, Rubber, Aluminum, and Leather industry workers, truck drivers, and pesticide applicators, but most arylamines usage has been reduced in the workplace because of government regulation.

Radiation therapy for women with cervical cancer have an increased risk of developing bladder cancer. Certain drugs, such as chemotherapy agent cyclophosphamide and the analgesic phenacetin, are known to result in a high-risk factor for developing bladder cancer. Repeated or chronic bladder infections may also lead to the type of cancer called squamous cell bladder cancer. This type of bladder cancer is very slow growing, and as with all cancers, early detection can lead to a higher cure rate.

According to the TNM (tumor, lymph node, and metastases) classification system, the cancer stage is classified by location, size, and aggressiveness. Recently the TNM staging system has become very popular in the medical industry to describe all types of cancer.

Stages of Bladder Cancer

The TNM staging system is divided into five main stages and several sub-stages using the following scale.

The following symptoms of bladder cancer can also be associated with non-cancerous conditions. A trained urologist should always evaluate nerveless any symptom of a suspicious nature. Early detection is critical in the successful outcome of all cancer treatments.

Urinary Incontinence

Some women report urinary incontinence after childbirth and may be caused from a weakness in the bladder due to childbirth or aging. This weakness is called stress incontinence - suggested reading kegel exercises and vaginal weight training.

The following may be used to diagnose the disease:

The following may also be used to determine if cancer has spread:

Treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and biologic therapy.

Surgical options may include transurethral resection (TUR), radical cystectomy, segmental cystectomy, and urinary diversion. Some patients may receive chemotherapy after surgery. This post-surgical treatment is referred to as adjuvant therapy. If the cancer is inoperable or unresectable, treatment with radiation and chemotherapy can be utilized for palliation, but the prognosis is poor.

Bladder Cancer Statistics

Author Credentials:

Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a Nursing Assistant Thomas has assisted people from a variety of racial, religious, gender, class, and age groups by providing care for people with all forms of disabilities from Multiple Sclerosis to Parkinson's; para and quadriplegia to Spina Bifida.

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Cite This Page (APA): Thomas C. Weiss. (2009, April 1). Bladder Carcinoma: Bladder Cancer Stages and Information. Disabled World. Retrieved December 4, 2023 from www.disabled-world.com/health/cancer/bladder-cancer.php

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