Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer There are several variables that increase the risk of a person developing bladder cancer. Age: With age, the risk of bladder cancer increases. Around 90% of diagnosed individuals are older than 55 years of age. Smoking: It is one of the main risk factors. As per…
Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer
There are several variables that increase the risk of a person developing bladder cancer.
- Age: With age, the risk of bladder cancer increases. Around 90% of diagnosed individuals are older than 55 years of age.
- Smoking: It is one of the main risk factors. As per estimation, people who smoke are at least 4 times more likely to get bladder cancer than people who don’t smoke. Tobacco produces carcinogenic (cancer-causing) agents and accounts for half of all cancers of the bladder.
- Gender: Men are three to four times more likely to get bladder cancer than women.
- Genetic and Family History: There are greater chances of developing bladder cancer in people with a family history of the same cancer. The risk is also associated with changes in genes, such as GST and NAT, which are responsible for the breakdown of certain toxins.
- Chronic Bladder Infection: Long-term urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney and bladder stones with long-term bladder catheters are often associated with bladder catheter growth. There is also a risk factor for an untreated infection known as schistosomiasis, caused by parasitic worms entering the bladder (mainly in Africa and the Middle East).
- Metal Toxins in Water: A higher risk of bladder cancer has also been associated with arsenic in drinking water. The risk of exposure to arsenic depends on the location of your home and the source of your drinking water.
- Chemical Exposure: The second biggest risk factor for bladder cancer is exposure to harmful chemicals. Some synthetic chemicals, such as those used in the dyeing, clothing, painting, leather tanning, or printing industries, raise the risk of bladder cancer. Some naturally occurring chemicals, aromatic amines, and aristolochic acid-containing herbal supplements have also been associated with bladder cancer.
- Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy Secondary Disease: Long-term treatment with a chemotherapy drug may irritate the bladder. There is a greater chance of developing bladder cancer for people who have been treated with this drug.
Bladder Cancer Diagnosis
Several tests and techniques are used to investigate the individual signs of bladder cancer in the urine and bladder. Such assessments for diagnosis include:
Urinalysis: A basic test conducted to examine the urine sample for blood and other substances. In the presence of certain substances such as glucose, red blood cells (RBCs), etc., this test uses chemical dipsticks that change color.
Cytology of Urine: A urine sample is examined under a microscope to search for pre-cancer or cancerous cells for this examination.
Cystoscopy: The urologist moves a cystoscope through the opening of the urethra and into the bladder to study the inner lining of the organ for this operation. A thin tube with a lens and a camera attached to it is a cystoscope. Typically, to make the operation painless and relaxing, the patient is given a local anesthetic cream, which is added to the urethra.
Biopsy: If anomalies are found during a cystoscopy, a biopsy procedure called “Transurethral Resection” of a bladder tumor is provided to the patient (TURBT). This requires the removal of the tumor (abnormal area), which is then screened for cancer. Cancer often tends to grow in more than one area, so more than one sample is taken for testing to confirm if cancer has spread along with some nearby bladder muscles.
Imaging Scans: These scans allow the specialist to analyze whether cancer has spread to the structures near the bladder, urinary tract, adjacent lymph nodes, or other organs for a more accurate image of the bladder. Such tests for imaging include:
An X-ray procedure that uses a dye to demonstrate the kidneys, ureters, and bladder and to help display tumors of the urinary tract. Intravenous pyelogram (IVP):
- CT Scanning
- The MRI
- Ultrasonics
- Scan of Bone (to check for spread to the bone)
Treatment Options for Bladder Cancer in India
Depending on the point, many treatment options are available for bladder cancer in India, and other variables such as patient health and preferences are available.
Surgery:
It includes the removal of cancer cells during surgery and associated tissues. Depending on the stage and extent of cancer, there are numerous forms of surgery available. For bladder cancer, surgical choices include:
Trans-Urethral Bladder Tumor Resection (TURBT): This technique is used both for treatment and for diagnosis. A cystoscope (a narrow tube with a light and a camera) is inserted into the bladder via the urethra during this surgery. At the end of the cystoscope, a thin wire loop is attached and is used to remove irregular tissues or burn the laser or high-energy electricity tumor (fulguration). For TURBT, local anesthesia is placed on the patient. This is the most common treatment choice for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in the early stages.
Cystectomy: All or part of the bladder is removed. This is carried out when there is invasive cancer. It consists of the following forms:
Radical Cystectomy: The removal of the whole bladder and nearby lymph nodes is involved in this surgery. This procedure is performed when cancer has penetrated the muscle walls and is big as well. In males, the nearby organs that are removed during this operation are the prostate and seminal vesicles. In women, the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and part of the vagina are the organs that are removed. The surgeon then provides another path for urine from the body to move through.
Partial Cystectomy: A segmental cystectomy is also known. Along with the portion of the muscle layer that cancer has penetrated, only a portion of the bladder is removed. The biggest advantage of this surgery is that after recovering from the procedure, the patient gets to retain the bladder and can urinate normally.
Urinary Diversion: In order to create an alternative way to store and transfer urine, reconstructive surgery. Depending on the medical condition and the choice of the patient, various forms of operations may be performed. The three forms are:
Incontinent Diversion: For this, a portion of the intestine is removed by the surgeon and connected to the ureters to create a passageway for urine to pass out of the body. So the urine flows from the opening, called the stoma, through the skin in front of the abdomen, through this passageway from the kidneys to outside the body. In small quantities, the urine continually comes out and is collected in a small bag put over the stoma. There’s no regulation over the flow of urine in this procedure.
Continent Diversion: Part of the small or large intestine is used in this approach to create a pouch that functions within the body as a urinary reservoir, and one end of the pouch is connected to the stoma. In the pouch, a valve is produced which allows the storage of urine. The patient likes this approach since there is no need for a bag outside of the body. By inserting a catheter into the stoma, urine may be drained away.
Neobladder: This is a new process in which a new bladder (Neobladder) is created by the surgeon from the part of the intestine and is attached to the urethra. This technique routes the urine back into the urethra and restores urination. So the patient will usually pass the urine out.
Chemotherapy:
The use of drugs to kill cancer cells by preventing their ability to divide and expand requires this treatment. The procedure can be performed at the same time with one anticancer drug or a mixture of different drugs (combination drug). Bladder cancer chemotherapy consists of two types:
- Intravesical Chemotherapy: This procedure is intended for the early stages of cancer and is delivered directly into the bladder by a chemotherapic drug.
- Systemic Chemotherapy: The medications are delivered as a tablet for this treatment, or inserted into the vein or muscle from which they penetrate the bloodstream and spread across the body.
Radiation Therapy:
This includes the use of high-energy x-rays to stop and destroy cancer cells from developing. Two forms of radiotherapy exist:
- External Beam Radiation: This is the most common form of radiation therapy that uses a system outside the body to direct radiation directly to cancer.
- Internal-Beam Radiation/Brachytherapy: This treatment incorporates radioactive implants that can be inserted near or directly into cancer, such as needles, seeds, or catheters.
- Radiation therapy, alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy, is commonly used following surgery (TURBT) to kill any residual cancer cells or as part of advanced-stage cancer pre-treatment or to alleviate symptoms such as pain and bleeding caused by advanced bladder cancer.
Immunotherapy:
Biological therapy is also known. This treatment requires the use of medication to improve the immune system of a person to help them to identify cancer cells and combat them. In order to enhance or target the immune system or restore function, it requires the use of substances created by the body or in a laboratory. One example of biological agents used in immunotherapy after the TURBT treatment is the BCG vaccine. Atezolizumab, Avelumab, Nivolumab, etc., are other medicines that are used. Every 2 to 3 weeks, the medications are used to be given as intravenous (IV) infusions.
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How to Choose a Hospital For Bladder Cancer Treatment In India
Hospitals that perform Bladder Cancer Treatment in India are well-known for their hospitality and patient care services providing the finest hospital and doctors in India. However, choosing a suitable hospital for Bladder Cancer Treatment in India can be difficult for an international patient. It is a significant decision that must be made with several factors in mind, including:
- Quality certificates and accreditations
- Hospital and transportation facility location
- Team of doctors and surgeons
- Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic equipment
- International patient assistance
Why do Individuals Prefer to Have Bladder Cancer Treatment in India
Certainly, India is a popular destination for those seeking Bladder Cancer Treatment and medical procedures. Bladder Cancer Treatment cost in India is typically a fraction of the cost of a comparable procedure and consideration in the United States and other developed countries. In any case, the Bladder Cancer Treatment cost in India may vary depending on the type of medical procedure, the use of inserts, and the patient’s other conditions. As a result, the final charges for Bladder Cancer Treatment Cost in India given to patients are entirely based on their clinical reports, as well as the patient’s current condition, type of medical procedure, type of room, the specialist’s skill, and hospital brand.
The best hospitals for Bladder Cancer Treatment in India provide comprehensive appropriate treatment, including comprehensive pre-operative evaluations, minimally invasive surgical options, and post-operative rehabilitation programs. Patients can expect personalized treatment, individualized attention, and compassionate care at these medical facilities. Leading international agencies like the Joint Commission International (JCI) or the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) have accredited the hospitals.
How Can Medsurge India Help
Medsurge India is a prestigious support system for patients looking for doctors, hospitals, and specialized treatments. Our staff will provide you with a list of licensed, renowned, and trustworthy physicians and medical facilities in relation to your medical needs. We offer a variety of treatment options to fit your individual needs, as well as a budget-friendly approach. Besides that, we are able to assist patients in obtaining travel authorizations, and medical visas, as well as a wide range of other things in the process of their treatment.