Bladder Cancer: What It Is, Types, and Signs in Men and Women

Bladder cancer is a malignant neoplasm in the mucous membrane or wall of the bladder, a hollow organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine. In frequency, it ranks sixth among all types of cancer in the United States and accounts for about 3% of all cancer cases. I explain what has been confirmed by research and what remains probable.

What bladder cancer is and how it develops

The tumor arises from the cells of the inner lining of the bladder. People exposed to aromatic amines in the workplace and patients with chronic cystitis are at risk. Smoking is the leading factor: more than half of cases in men and about a third in women are linked to it; the direct link is confirmed, and quitting smoking reduces the risk. The risk is also increased in people with a family history of the disease, in older adults, in men, and in people of white race.

Types of bladder tumors: urothelial carcinoma and others

The most common form is transitional cell (urothelial) cancer, which develops from the transitional epithelium of the urinary tract. Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma from glandular epithelium are less common. The tumor may appear as papillary growths or as a solid ulcerated mass growing into the wall. A distinction is made between carcinoma in situ, superficial cancer (T1–T2), and cancer invading the muscle layer and surrounding tissues (T3–T4). Superficial forms metastasize significantly less often than papillary ones.

Signs of bladder cancer: blood in urine and other symptoms

One of the first signs is hematuria, blood in the urine, although it also occurs in other diseases. Other symptoms: frequent painful urination, pain above the pubis, pain in the lower back. Blood clotting in the bladder cavity can cause acute urinary retention. Compression of the ureteral orifices by the tumor impairs urine outflow from the kidneys, which leads to pyelonephritis or chronic renal failure.

Bladder cancer in men and in women

Male sex is a risk factor. Smoking is linked to more than half of cases in men and about a third in women. The symptoms generally coincide: hematuria, frequent painful urination, pain above the pubis. As the tumor grows, the prostate may be affected in men, and the uterus and vagina in women — this is stage T4a.

How it is diagnosed and when to see a doctor

The main method is cystoscopy with biopsy. Excretory urography, computed tomography, ultrasound, and X-ray of the chest and bones are used additionally when metastases are suspected. Bimanual palpation is mandatory, although small tumors are usually not palpable. Blood in the urine is one of the first signs, but it also occurs for other reasons, so the cause is determined by a doctor.

• Blood in urine
• Frequent painful urination
• Pain above the pubis or in the lower back
• Acute urinary retention when blood clots in the bladder

This alone is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — if acute urinary retention occurs (the person cannot urinate).

The material is for reference: it describes signs and examinations, but does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer