The bladder is a muscular balloon-like organ that lies inside the pelvis. It collects urine from the kidneys and stores it.
Bladder cancer is the most common cancer involving the urinary system. Typically, bladder cancer starts in the urothelium, which is the innermost lining of the bladder. When the cells in the lining divide uncontrollably and produce extra tissues, this abnormal growth is called a tumour.
When bladder cancer is restricted only to the lining of the bladder wall, it is called superficial bladder cancer.
If the bladder cancer invades the muscle wall and spreads to the lymph nodes, liver, or the lungs, it is then called invasive bladder cancer.
There are three types of bladder cancer:
The exact cause of bladder cancer is not very clear. However, there are various risk factors that have been linked to bladder cancer:
The following are symptoms that can be attributed to bladder cancer:
There are different treatment options available for bladder cancer, depending on the grade of the cancer and how deeply it has invaded the bladder wall.
The treatment recommended will depend on your general health. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and suggest an individualised treatment plan that consists of a single or a combination of treatment methods.
If the bladder cancer is still in the early (superficial) stage, treatment includes:
If the bladder cancer has reached an advanced (invasive) stage, the following treatment options may be recommended:
Early detection of bladder cancer makes it easier to treat the disease with effective and appropriate treatment. A dedicated multidisciplinary team of specialists and oncologists at Pantai Hospitals is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance to patients through screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have any concerns or questions about bladder cancer treatment options.
Pantai Hospital has been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.