Bladder Cancer – The Signs and Tests
Bladder cancer is the cancer that develops in the urinary bladder. This is a malignant type of cancer because it can spread in the entire body and affect the health on the whole. Before we understand about this type of cancerous tumor, there are something we should know:
What is the bladder?
It is an organ in the lower pelvic region which stores the urine. The urine is a yellowish liquid which is to be expelled from the body as it is waste material. The urine is formed in the kidneys and then passes to the bladder through the ureters. The nutrients are absorbed back and the remaining contents are expelled out of the body through the urinary tract or tube called the urethra. Problems occur in urination due to the tumor.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The first and most common symptoms are pain or difficulty in urination. This can be accompanied with other symptoms like blood in urine, urinating frequently, pain in the lower abdomen or back. Although these can be symptoms of various other biological ailments, it is always better to bring it to the notice of your healthcare expert. Sometimes, you could communicate your concerns to doctors online and discuss them in anonymity. Medical websites provide such a platform which has real doctors interacting and providing authentic information.
How does the doctor test for bladder cancer?
Following the reports of your symptoms, there are various methods of testing that your physician may employ. A primary urine analysis may be carried out to see if the urine dynamics have changed in any way. Sugar content, protein content, red and white blood cells in the urine are examined and quantities are noted. Additionally, the vaginal region in women and the anal region in men and women may be examined. Suspected cells may be collected for testing. A CT scan or an Intravenous pyelogram may also be performed. The CT scan creates images of the internal organs which help in locating the area of problem. The IVP on the other hand is a series of x-rays of the kidneys, ureters, urethra, bladder and the entire excretory system.
Besides these tests, inspections of the urinary channel may be carried out by devices like the cystoscope. The cystoscope is entered into the urethra to capture images which can help in viewing of the affected areas. This thin and slender device can also be used to collect suspected tissues.
An early detection of bladder cancer is helpful for the patient as more treatment options may then be open to the individual for care and recuperation.
What is the bladder?
It is an organ in the lower pelvic region which stores the urine. The urine is a yellowish liquid which is to be expelled from the body as it is waste material. The urine is formed in the kidneys and then passes to the bladder through the ureters. The nutrients are absorbed back and the remaining contents are expelled out of the body through the urinary tract or tube called the urethra. Problems occur in urination due to the tumor.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The first and most common symptoms are pain or difficulty in urination. This can be accompanied with other symptoms like blood in urine, urinating frequently, pain in the lower abdomen or back. Although these can be symptoms of various other biological ailments, it is always better to bring it to the notice of your healthcare expert. Sometimes, you could communicate your concerns to doctors online and discuss them in anonymity. Medical websites provide such a platform which has real doctors interacting and providing authentic information.
How does the doctor test for bladder cancer?
Following the reports of your symptoms, there are various methods of testing that your physician may employ. A primary urine analysis may be carried out to see if the urine dynamics have changed in any way. Sugar content, protein content, red and white blood cells in the urine are examined and quantities are noted. Additionally, the vaginal region in women and the anal region in men and women may be examined. Suspected cells may be collected for testing. A CT scan or an Intravenous pyelogram may also be performed. The CT scan creates images of the internal organs which help in locating the area of problem. The IVP on the other hand is a series of x-rays of the kidneys, ureters, urethra, bladder and the entire excretory system.
Besides these tests, inspections of the urinary channel may be carried out by devices like the cystoscope. The cystoscope is entered into the urethra to capture images which can help in viewing of the affected areas. This thin and slender device can also be used to collect suspected tissues.
An early detection of bladder cancer is helpful for the patient as more treatment options may then be open to the individual for care and recuperation.