Bladder Cancer Treatment in Athens, GA

As with other forms of cancer, bladder cancer is a product of a mutation within the cells that make up the bladder’s tissue. This mutation typically results in the formation of a cancerous tumor, which can be difficult to detect early on since there is no way to view the internal structure of the bladder without imaging tests such as an MRI.

What Are the Types of Bladder Cancer?

There are a variety of bladder cancers that an individual may encounter. The primary difference between these multiple types lies in the specific origin of the cancer. For example, bladder cancer that begins within the muscle cells is not the same as cancer that exists within the lining of the bladder.

The most common form of bladder cancer is known as urothelial carcinoma. This cellular mutation can affect not only the lining of the bladder, but also of the ureter and the urethra. Other variations of this condition include:

• Sarcoma
• Adenocarcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Small cell carcinoma

What Are the Symptoms of Bladder Cancer?

Unfortunately, the early signs of bladder cancer are not always very clear, which is why you should remain especially vigilant should the following symptoms occur:

• Frequent urination
• Pelvic pain
• Pain with urination
• Blood in the urine
• Pain in the lower back

One of the best ways to catch bladder cancer in its earliest stages, potentially even before patients begin to notice its symptoms, is to complete a regular yearly physical. These standard examinations often require patients to provide a urine sample, which can alert Dr. Allen of any abnormalities such as blood in the urine.

What Can Cause Bladder Cancer?

When getting diagnosed with any cancer, it’s natural to wonder what caused the disease. Though there is no one definite answer, there are risk factors that may have caused the disease such as:

• Smoking. Smoking tobacco is the most common risk factor in bladder cancer.
• Working around chemicals. People who work in the dye, rubber, chemical, metal, textile, and leather industries have an increased risk of getting bladder cancers because the chemicals they are working with may be cancer-causing.
• Family history of bladder cancer. People with family members who had bladder cancer or have a personal history of bladder cancer increases the risk of getting bladder cancer.
• Arsenic. Arsenic may be found in drinking water in some areas of the world.

Treatment for Bladder Cancer in Athens, GA

Due to the unique nature of each individual patient and their type of bladder cancer, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, these patients will typically select one or more of the following treatment options:

• Surgical removal of the bladder cancer
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Intravesical therapy