bladder

Bladder cancer is a common cancer in the UK, with 10,278 new cases in 2005. It is the most frequently occurring tumour of the urinary system and accounts for 1 in every 28 new cases of cancer each year in the UK. Despite this, there are no dedicated bladder cancer charities and bladder cancer research receives very little funding compared to other cancers.

When bladder cancer is found and treated early, the chances of survival are very good, with an approximate 94% five-year survival rate for early bladder cancer. Risk factors for bladder cancer include smoking (causes one-third of bladder cancers), occupational exposure to carcinogens, age, race (Caucasians are at highest risk), age, chronic bladder problems and a family history of bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer`s staging, treatment and prognosis depends on how deeply it has invaded the muscular wall of the bladder.

At diagnosis, 90% of cases are Transitional Cell Carcinomas of which 75% are `superficial` and do not invade the bladder`s muscular wall. 5% to 8% of cases are squamous cell carcinomas and about 2% are adenocarcinomas, both of which are more likely to invade the bladder`s muscular wall . Such invasive bladder cancers may spread outside the bladder and affect other organs. Early diagnosis is extremely important in this disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms such as blood in the urine (haematuria), lower abdominal pain, urinary frequency, bladder irritation, fever and weight loss - can mimic those of common, benign conditions, but haematuria should always raise suspicions until a diagnosis is confirmed.

Investigations

A telescopic inspection of the bladder (cystoscopy) is a simple and fast way to inspect the bladder. It is usually carried out as an outpatient procedure and does not require a general anaesthetic.