Bladder Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
The biggest cause of bladder cancer is smoking. This type of cancer is more common in men and in people who have to work with chemicals, but in recent years the incidence in women has also increased. The suspicion of bladder cancer increases especially when blood is seen in painless urine.
How is Bladder Cancer Diagnosed?
Patients presenting with a complaint of bleeding, which is one of the symptoms of bladder cancer, are first examined by ultrasound. If necessary, the bladder is entered into the bladder using a device with a camera by cystoscopy and tumours are detected. Bladder cancer is usually seen as cauliflower-like tumours. Possibilities other than bladder cancer are also evaluated for differential diagnosis. When the tumour is detected, the tumour is removed from the bladder by TUR method.
Bladder Cancer Stages
Bladder cancer is classified into four main stages:
- Superficial Tumour
- High Risk Superficial Tumour (TA)
- Tumour that has crossed the mucosa but not the muscle (T1)
- Tumour spread to the muscle (T2)
Bladder Cancer Treatment Methods
In the treatment of bladder cancer, control cystoscopy is performed for superficial tumours. In tumours that exceed the mucosa, BCG (tuberculosis germ) is given into the bladder. If the tumour has passed into the muscle structure, more advanced treatment methods such as artificial bladder come into play.
What is Artificial Bladder and Who is it Applied to?
An artificial bladder is a new bladder created from the intestines to replace the bladder removed by surgery. This operation can be performed with robotic surgery or open surgery. It is preferred for young and fit patients. However, if the tumour has spread to the prostate or urethral area, an artificial bladder cannot be performed.
Advantages of Robotic Surgery
In bladder surgeries performed with robotic surgery, the risk of bleeding is reduced, the intestines are not damaged and the healing process is accelerated. The robotic system allows more precise operations by enlarging the surgical field 10-15 times and the patient recovers faster.
Can Bladder Cancer Be Treated?
Bladder cancer can be completely cured if diagnosed early and treatment is started. However, as there is a risk of recurrence, regular check-ups are important.
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