Bladder cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the world. The bladder, or urinary bladder, is an organ that stores urine and actively plays a role in the discharge of urine by contracting under suitable conditions. Its inner surface is covered by a layer called transitional epithelium. Underneath is the muscle (detrusor) layer that allows the bladder to contract, and under that is the layer called serosa that surrounds the bladder from the outside. Bladder tumors usually originate from the transitional cell layer that lines the mucosa.
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What is a bladder cancer symptom?
The most important symptom of bladder cancer is bleeding in the urine. This complaint is usually not accompanied by pain (painless hematuria). Sometimes the blood in the urine is visible enough to be seen with the eye. Sometimes it is not visible to the eye and appears as high erythrocytes in the urine test.
For this reason, especially in older people, if there is bleeding in the urine, a detailed evaluation should be made due to the risk of bladder tumors, and if necessary, bladder endoscopy (cystoscopy) should be performed.
Risk factors for bladder tumors
Smoking
It is responsible for approximately half of bladder cancer cases. Tobacco contains many different toxic substances (aromatic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). Some of these toxic substances are filtered through the kidneys and have a carcinogenic effect on the bladder surface. The risk increases as the duration and amount of smoking increases. Even if smoking is stopped, the carcinogenic effect on the body continues for a long time. It is known that non-smokers are also affected, albeit less, by exposure to smoke in the environment they are in (passive smoking).
In recent years, electronic cigarettes have been seen as more innocent and are widely used among young people. Since carcinogenic substances are also found in the urine of e-cigarette users, they carry the risk of bladder cancer.
All types of tobacco increase the risk of active or passive bladder cancer. People diagnosed with bladder cancer must definitely quit smoking and stay away from smoking environments for their treatment to be successful.
Exposure to chemicals
Exposure to chemicals (aromatic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons) is problematic in 10% of bladder tumors. These substances increase the risk of bladder cancer especially in those working in the paint industry, metal industry, petrochemical industry and in people exposed to diesel waste products. Exposure to these chemicals has been minimized with measures taken in developed countries.
Nutrition
A Mediterranean-type diet, mainly consisting of fruits and vegetables, is protective against bladder cancer. It has been shown that industrial oil and excessive protein consumption also increases the risk of cancer development.
Environmental factors
Chlorine, trihalomethane and arsenic in drinking water have been shown to increase the risk of bladder cancer.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy, especially applied for prostate cancer, can trigger cancer formation in bladder tissue.
Others
Schistosomia, a parasite seen in tropical regions, increases the risk of bladder cancer. Again, it has been shown that drugs such as cyclophosphamide and pioglizatone slightly increase the risk of bladder cancer.
As a result, bladder cancer is the 7th most common type of cancer detected in men. Smoking, the most important risk factor, is responsible for half of the cases. Mediterranean diet and avoiding smoking are our most important weapons in protecting against the disease.