DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Cancer

Bladder Cancer

HIGH SEVERITY

Cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder, most commonly urothelial carcinoma. Smoking is the leading risk factor. Often presents with painless hematuria.

Global Affected

570.0K

Countries

29

Symptoms

Blood in urine (hematuria)
Frequent urination
Painful urination
Pelvic pain
Back pain
Urinary urgency

Treatment Options

Transurethral resection (TURBT)
Intravesical therapy (BCG, chemotherapy)
Radical cystectomy
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Trimodality therapy
Checkpoint inhibitors
Targeted therapy (FGFR inhibitors)
Urinary diversion procedures

Risk Factors

1Smoking
2Exposure to certain chemicals (aromatic amines)
3Age (over 55)
4Male gender
5Chronic bladder inflammation
6Schistosomiasis infection
7Prior pelvic radiation
8Certain medications (cyclophosphamide)
9Genetic factors

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Urinalysis
  • 2Cystoscopy
  • 3Biopsy during cystoscopy
  • 4CT urography
  • 5MRI
  • 6Urine cytology
  • 7FISH urine test
  • 8UroVysion test

Prognosis

Variable; non-muscle invasive has good prognosis but high recurrence. Muscle-invasive more serious. Metastatic disease challenging. Overall 5-year survival 77%. Early detection through hematuria evaluation important.

Prevention

  • Smoking cessation
  • Avoid occupational chemical exposure
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Eat cruciferous vegetables
  • Treat schistosomiasis
  • Regular follow-up after treatment

Research Status

BCG immunotherapy for non-muscle invasive disease. Radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves survival. Checkpoint inhibitors (pembrolizumab, atezolizumab) for advanced. Urinary diversions improving quality of life.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanBrazilMexicoNigeriaSouth AfricaEgyptIndiaChinaRussiaTurkeyIranAustraliaNew ZealandSwedenNorwayFinlandDenmarkNetherlandsBelgiumSwitzerlandAustria

Sources

  • https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer.html
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bladder-cancer
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.