Bladder Cancer

The bladder is an organ in your pelvic area that can be thought of as a balloon used to store urine. The cells that line the inner lining of the bladder in particular can degenerate, which is called bladder cancer. Due to genetic developments, these degenerated cells begin to grow uncontrollably and do not die off, as would normally be the case. As a result of these improper divisions of the degenerated cells, a tumour develops. Although, in principle, it can occur at any age, older people are often affected. Bladder cancer is usually detected at an early stage and is still very treatable at this stage. Unfortunately, however, it tends to recur, often many years after it has been successfully removed. For this reason, regular check-ups of patients affected by bladder cancer years after treatment are a fundamental principle of aftercare.

The causes of bladder cancer are multifactorial, with smoking being a definite risk factor. Other favourable factors include infections with parasites, radioactive radiation, or the influence of certain chemical substances on the human body.

Watch out for the following signs and symptoms of bladder cancer:

1. Blood in the urine (hematuria).
   This can occur in conjunction with pain but is not essential. The urine appears red or brownish in color. However, it does not always have to be visibly bloody; often, the blood in the urine can only be seen and detected under a microscope.
   
   
2. Back pain
3. Pain in the pelvic area
4. Problems or pain when urinating

One of the most important examinations after the urinalysis and ultrasound examination to confirm or rule out bladder cancer is a cystoscopy. As any tumours are usually detected at an early stage with this examination, a small operation is often sufficient to remove the tumour, whereby the bladder tumour is scraped off the bladder wall endoscopically through the urethra. As already mentioned, subsequent close monitoring is very important because bladder cancer tends to recur.

Feel free to contact us if you have any inquiries or any additional questions.

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