Bladder cancer is a tumor within the bladder, usually starting with the cells lining the bladder walls. These abnormal cells multiply without control. The tumor may or may not be malignant depending on the invasiveness of the type of cancer involved. The cause of bladder cancer is uncertain as with most types of cancer. Studies have shown that several risk factors may contribute to the development of bladder cancer.

About 25 percent of bladder cancer can be attributed to the exposure to cancer-causing chemicals or carcinogens in the workplace. The chemicals that belong to the Arylamines and Benzidine families are considered the most responsible. Arylamines exposure used to be very high in Dye, Rubber, Aluminum, Leather industry workers along with truck drivers and pesticide applicators but most arylamines usage has been reduced in the workplace because of government regulation.

Radiation therapy for women with cervical cancer have an increased risk of developing bladder cancer. Certain drugs are known to result in a high risk factor to developing bladder cancer such as chemotherapy agent cyclophosphamide and the analgesic phenacetin. Repeated or chronic bladder infections may also lead to the type of cancer called squamous cell bladder cancer. This type of bladder cancer is very slow growing and as with all cancers, early detection can lead to a higher cure rate.

According to the TNM (tumor, lymph node, and metastases) classification system the cancer stage is classified by the location, size and aggressiveness . Recently the TNM staging system has become very popular with the medical industry to describe all types of cancer. The TNM staging system is divided into 5 main stages along with several sub stages using the following scale.

Stage 0 - Tumors limited to the bladder lining but do not extend through the bladder wall lining.

Stage 1 - Tumors involve the layer beyond the lining of the bladder and beyond but do not involve the muscles of the bladder.

Stage 2 - Tumors involve the muscles in the bladder.

Stage 3 - Tumors involve the fatty tissue surrounding the bladder, the prostate gland, the vagina or uterus.

Stage 4 - Tumors have spread into the lymph nodes or other areas of the body such as the liver, lungs and bones.

The following symptoms of bladder cancer can also be associated with non-cancerous conditions. Nerveless any symptom of a suspicious nature should be always evaluated by a trained urologist. Early detection is critical in the successful outcome of all cancer treatments.

A medical professional should always be consulted if you have blood in the urine or if the urine becomes cloudy. The color of ones urine does give great insight into the internal condition of the urinary track.

Urinary frequency, increased frequency in the need to urinate. This could also be sign of a bladder infection called cystitis, bladder irritation called interstitial cystitis, or from a kidney stone.

Painful urination could also be caused by a bladder infection, kidney stone or another serious problem.

Urinary urgency just after using the restroom and when you do you only urinate small amounts. Could be a bladder infection called cystitis, bladder irritation called interstitial cystitis, or from a kidney stone.

Urinary incontinence. Some women report this symptom after childbirth and may be caused from a weakness in the bladder due to childbirth or ageing. This weakness is called stress incontinence. Suggested reading the kegel exercise and vaginal weight training.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with treating Bladder problems such as Vitamin A, Cranberry Juice, and L-cysteine.

Vitamin A deficiency may increase the risk of cancers of the lung, larynx, bladder, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum and prostate.

Cranberry Juice may also help prevent kidney and bladder infections. If you are taking COUMADIN then check with your doctor before using cranberry.

L-cysteine is another immune system stimulant but should always be taken in conjunction with Vitamin C to reduce the risk of developing stone formation in the kidneys and bladder.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.