Bladder Cancer is a form of cancer that arises in the bladder, the organ responsible for holding urine. Typically, it originates in the cells that line the bladder’s interior, known as urothelial cells, and is primarily recognized as urothelial carcinoma.

Bladder cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer that starts in the lining of your bladder. There are many ways to treat cancer, including surgery to remove it. Bladder cancer may come back after treatment, so people with the disease should be vigilant about following up with their healthcare providers.

Common Causes:

Smoking
Occupational exposure to certain chemicals such as dyes, paints, rubber, and petroleum products
Family history of the disease
Long-term bladder infections, including those caused by parasites like Schistosoma haematobium, can irritate the bladder lining and potentially lead to cancer.
Early Symptoms:
Visible blood in your urine, pain when you urinate, frequent urination, having trouble urinating and persistent bladder infections.

Treatment: Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, Targeted therapy, Immunotherapy and surgery.

Radical cystectomy is the surgical procedure involving the removal of the bladder along with nearby organs. It is typically performed when cancer has extended beyond the bladder or when multiple early-stage tumors are present throughout the bladder. In men, this surgery removes prostates and seminal vesicles. In women, providers may remove ovaries, your uterus and part of your vagina. Providers also do surgery known as urinary diversion so you can still pass urine.

You can visit the Bladder Cancer website to find Bladder Cancer Support Groups in your area.