Bladder cancer is a common form of cancer that starts in the bladder's cells. The bladder, a muscular and hollow organ in the lower abdomen, stores urine in reserve. The cells (called urothelial cells) lining the inside of the bladder are where bladder cancer typically starts. The kidneys and the tubes (ureters) that join the kidneys to the bladder also contain urothelial cells. The majority of bladder cancers are discovered early on, when there is still much hope for treatment. However, following successful treatment, bladder cancers can recur even in the early stages. Because of this, individuals with bladder cancer usually require periodic testing for years following their treatment to detect any recurrence of the disease.
In this blog, we will learn in detail about the types and stages of bladder cancer. To make this post authentic and knowledgeable, we have gathered insights from Dr. Niren Rao, a renowned urologist for bladder cancer surgery in Delhi. Keep reading to learn about bladder cancer.
Types of Bladder Cancer
Our bladder contains a variety of cell types that can develop into cancer. The type of bladder cancer depends on the kind of bladder cell that develops into cancer. Following are the types of bladder cancer:
- Urothelial Carcinoma
Urothelial carcinoma occurs in the cells that line the inside of the bladder. When the bladder is full, urothelium cells swell, and when it is empty, they shrink. Cancers can develop in the urethra and ureters, which are lined with the same cells.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Prolonged bladder irritation leads to the development of squamous cell carcinoma. Persistent urinary tract infections or long-term use of a urinary catheter may cause this type of cancer. They do not develop until the bladder has been irritated for an extended period of time, at which point they become cancerous.
- Adenocarcinoma
This kind of bladder cancer is extremely uncommon, making up only 1% of all cases. It starts in the cells of the bladder and other mucus-secreting glands in the body. Similar to squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma also develops from glandular cells in the bladder lining and is linked to persistent bladder inflammation.
Stages of Bladder Cancer
The phases go from TA, which is limited to the bladder's internal lining, to IV, which is the most invasive.
- T0: No cancer
- Ta: Papillary tumor that does not penetrate the wall of the bladder.
- TIS (CIS): Carcinoma in situ (high-grade cancer that is non-invasive and flat).
- T1: The tumor infiltrates the connective tissue beneath the outer layer.
- T2: The tumor reaches the layer of muscle.
- T3: The tumor enters the surrounding fat layer through the bladder wall.
- T4: The tumor spreads to other organs, such as the pelvic wall, uterus, vagina, and prostate.
Conclusion
Cancer of any kind is dangerous for one’s life. Hence, regular checkups and tests can aid in detecting any signs of cancer in their early stages. Bladder cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer.
If one is facing any symptoms of bladder cancer and is looking for an effective treatment one can consult the best urology doctor in Delhi, Dr. Niren Rao at Delhi Urology Hospital. He is a well known doctor for performing successful bladder cancer surgeries. He performs different treatments for bladder cancer patients, including TURBT (trans urethral resection of bladder tumor), radical cystectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy. Consult with him at Delhi Urology Hospital to learn more.
