Bladder tumors are a common urological cancer. The disease typically occurs from the age of 50 and is about four times more common in men.

 

One of the most common symptoms of bladder cancer is blood when you urinate (haematuria). This can be accompanied by the typical symptoms of a bladder infection: frequent urination, burning when urinating, pain in the lower abdomen, ...

 

Smoking is the most important risk factor for bladder cancer. In addition, there are a number of professional risk factors such as paint, rubber, chemical industry, ...

  

 

The following tests can be done to detect bladder cancer:

• Urinalysis can show abnormal cells.

• Ultrasound of the bladder can already provide guidance, but is insufficient to make the diagnosis.

• Cystoscopy: This involves inserting a narrow tube into the bladder through the urinary tract.

• CT scan: This allows the extent of the tumor to be assessed and the kidneys and ureters to be evaluated at the same time.

 

 

Stages in bladder cancer:

• In 75% of the cases it is a non-muscle invasive tumor, in which case the tumor is only located in the mucous membrane of the bladder.

• In 20% of the patients, the tumor has already grown into the bladder muscle and is referred to as a muscle invasive tumor.

• In 5% of the patients it is a carcinoma in situ, a superficially growing aggressive form of bladder cancer.

 

 

Possible treatments (depending on the stage):

• Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURB): In the operating theater, all visible lesions are removed through the urethra.

• cystectomy (removal of the bladder). This procedure is usually performed via a robot-assisted procedure

• Radiotherapy

• Chemotherapy