Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a cancer that starts in the bladder. The bladder is the body part that holds and releases urine. It is in the center of the lower belly area. These tumors are classified based on the way they grow:

• Papillary tumors have a wart-like appearance and are attached to a stalk.
• Nonpapillary tumors are flat. They are much less common. However, they are more invasive and have a worse outcome.

Smoking greatly increases the risk of developing bladder cancer. Up to half of all bladder cancers in men and several in women may be caused by cigarette smoke. Chemical exposure at work. About one in four cases of bladder cancer is caused by coming into contact with to cancer-causing chemicals at work. These chemicals are called carcinogens. Dye workers, rubber workers, aluminum workers, leather workers, truck drivers, and pesticide applicators are at the highest risk. Women who had radiation therapy to treat cervical cancer have an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.

Symptoms of bladder cancer can include:

• Abdominal pain
• Blood in the urine
• Bone pain or tenderness if the cancer spreads to the bone
• Fatigue
• Painful urination
• Urinary frequency
• Urinary urgency
• Urine leakage
• Weight loss

www.switch2life.com