What Is Bladder Cancer?

Are you in search of expert information about bladder cancer? You’re in the right place. Circle Health Group sit down with Mr Jaimin Bhatt, consultant urological surgeon, at Ross Hall Hospital. He answers some of your most commonly asked questions about bladder cancer, including the risk factors and common treatment options. Living with bladder cancer can feel daunting, but many people with the disease go on to receive highly effective treatment and lead healthy lives. Immediate links: For more information about bladder cancer, browse: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/treatments/bladder-cancer https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/treatments/turbt https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/specialities/cancer-care What are the different types of bladder cancer? The most common type of bladder cancer is called transitional cell carcinoma, which starts in the inner lining of your bladder. This type often responds well to treatment, especially if it's caught early. Another type is squamous cell carcinoma, but this is less common. It usually develops in response to long-term irritation or an infection in your bladder. And then there's adenocarcinoma, which is the rarest of the common types. It forms in the mucus-secreting cells of your bladder lining. What are the symptoms of bladder cancer? Blood in your urine is often the most noticeable symptom. In most instances, this is painless. While it can be alarming, not all cases of blood in your urine are due to cancer. It could be caused by an infection, kidney stones, or other benign conditions. Needing to urinate more often than usual, or a sudden urge to urinate, can also be a symptom. But this can also be related to various other issues, like urinary tract infections or an overactive bladder. Feeling discomfort or pain while urinating can be a sign of various bladder issues, including infection, as well as cancer. You might find it difficult to begin peeing, have a weak urine flow, or find it difficult to empty your bladder completely. Some people with bladder cancer experience pain in their lower back, especially if the cancer has advanced. You might feel pain or pressure in your pelvic region, which can be associated with bladder cancer. Occasionally, blood that you can’t see is detected in your urine testing. If this happens on a recurring basis, your GP may refer you to us. How is bladder cancer diagnosed? If you pass blood in your urine, an urgent referral to a urologist like myself is necessary. You will be assessed with a focused history and examination, followed by blood and urine tests. You will then be referred for a camera test known as a flexible cystoscopy for an internal bladder inspection. This only takes a couple of minutes and is performed under local anaesthesia. You can drive after this test. Most people with blood in their urine will also be referred to radiology for a scan to look inside their bladder. If you have symptoms of bladder cancer and would like help, you can book an appointment with a consultant urologist or oncologist to begin your treatment journey. Leave a comment below if you’d like more expert videos from consultants getting treatment for bladder cancer. Further Links –  Mr Jaimin Bhatt is a consultant urological surgeon at Ross Hall Hospital. https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/hospitals/ross-hall-hospital https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/consultants/jaimin-bhatt Hashtags - #bladdercancer #bladdercancertreatment #bladdercancersymptoms