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Bladder cancer
Bladder tumors can be benign ou malignant. This is why we often talk about polyps, tumors or cancer. Indeed, there is a wide range of bladder tumors that range from the most benign to the most dangerous. For this reason, it is imperative to examine all bladder tumors under a microscope in order to establish an accurate diagnosis which will determine the type of treatment.
In the vast majority of cases, these tumors develop from cells in the inner lining of the bladder which start to proliferate: they are called urothelial.
With 7 new cases estimated in 100 in Canada, bladder cancer represents the 2010e most frequently diagnosed cancer in this country. In France, according to 2012 data, it is the 5th most common cancer and the 2nd urinary tract cancer after prostate cancer. It usually occurs in people aged 60 and over.
La bladder is a hollow organ located in the pelvic area. Its function is to store the urine produced by the two kidneys whose role of filters allows the body to eliminate certain waste in the form of urine. Urine is channeled to the bladder through 2 tubes: the ureters. The bladder gradually fills, and when full, the muscles in the wall of this balloon-shaped organ contract to expel urine through another tube: through the urethra. This is called the urination.
As urine production is continuous, without the reservoir function of the bladder, we would have to permanently eliminate it.
The different bladder cancers
There are now two main types of bladder tumors: tumors that do not infiltrate the bladder muscle (TVNIM), formerly called superficial tumors, and those that infiltrate the hollow muscle of the bladder (TVIM), previously called invasive tumors. Their approach, treatment and evolution are different.
Possible evolution
Tumors that do not infiltrate the bladder muscle (TVNIM) are characterized by a high rate of recurrence (60-70% in the first year), which means that after treatment, once the tumor is destroyed, the person being treated should be followed and perform regular screening tests for several years or even life. A fairly small fraction (10 to 20%) can also progress to invasive forms and metastases.
When the tumor spreads to bladder muscle (TVIM), there is a risk of invading certain nearby organs or of spreading elsewhere in the body (lymph nodes, bones, etc.) through the blood, causing metastases.
The risk of recurrence and the prognosis are influenced by several factors, including the type of tumor, its stage and size, the number of lesions, and the condition and age of the person affected.
Symptoms of the disease
- In 80% to 90% of cases, the appearance of blood in the urine (hematuria) is the first sign of bladder cancer. The observed color can range from bright red to orange brown. Sometimes blood in the urine can only be detected with a microscope (microscopic hematuria).
- More rarely, it may be urinary burns, a more frequent or more urgent need to urinate.
These symptoms do not necessarily indicate the presence of a malignant tumor. This is because they can be a sign of other more common problems, such as a urinary tract infection. If such symptoms occur, it is essential to see a doctor to order tests to determine the origin of the symptoms. |
People at risk
- People who have had other cancer of the urinary tract.
- The men are more at risk than women;
- People who have a permanent infection of the bladder with a parasite, Billiardziasis.
Our doctor’s opinion
As part of its quality approach, Passeportsanté.net invites you to discover the opinion of a health professional. Dr. Geneviève Nadeau, resident physician in urology, gives you her opinion on the bladder cancer :
The prognosis for so-called “superficial” bladder cancers (TVNIM) is generally excellent. The 5-year survival rate after treatment is in the order of 80% to 90%. But these tumors have a strong tendency to recur, hence the importance of close medical monitoring in all people with bladder cancer. To put the odds in your favor, this periodic follow-up should be carried out for the rest of your life. Various medical examinations (cystoscopies and cytology) should be performed at regular intervals. These make it possible to quickly detect a recurrence of the tumor and to treat it as quickly as possible. This reduces the risk of the tumor becoming “infiltrative”, in which case the prognosis is less favorable. Finally, the best way to prevent bladder cancer is undoubtedly not to start smoking or to quit smoking. Dre Geneviève Nadeau, resident doctor in urology |
Medical review (February 2016): Dre Geneviève Nadeau, resident doctor in urology, Chair for an integrated approach in prevention, Université Laval |