Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer usually surfaces in the lining of the bladder (transitional cells )and later spreads to other areas. Cases of bladder cancer are mostly noticed in persons over 60 years. Bladder cancer is often heriditary. Smoking and exposure to toxic chemicals increase the risk of bladder cancer. Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer than women. Persons who have repeated instances of urinary infection or have been using cathethers for long are at increased risk for bladder cancer. Superficial bladder cancer in the initial stages indicates that the cancer is restricted to the surface of the inner lining of the bladder. Later it spreads to the inner lining and invades the wall of the bladder. The surrounding tissues, lymph nodes and other organs are the next to get affected by the cancerous cells.

Symptoms of bladder cancer include pain during urination and incresed frequency of urination. The patient suffering from bladder cancer is likely to have pelvic pain. Blood is noticed in the urine. Blood clots are also sometimes noticed in the urine. Often there are no symptoms during the early stages of bladder cancer. A urologist will check the functioning of the kidneys and conduct a physical examination. IVU (Intravenous Urogram) is a diagnostic imaging tool that allows the doctor to examine the kidneys, ureters and bladder. Blood tests and chest x-ray aids in diagnosis of bladder cancer. The urologist might use a cystoscope to examine inside the bladder. A biopsy is often conducted.

Surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy are resorted to while treating bladder cancer. The treatment is based on the stage of bladder cancer. Drinking plenty of water and increasing the consumption of cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli can minimize the chances of developing bladder cancer.

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy (cystouresthroscopy) is a diagnostic procedure of viewing a person's urinary passage and the urinary bladder, collecting urine samples and examining the prostrate gland through an instrument. The cystoscope is as thin as a pencil and has a light at the tip. Many cystoscopes have extra tubes to guide other instruments for procedures to treat urinary problems. Through a cystoscope, the urologist can focus on the inner surfaces of the urinary tract. Some cystoscopes use optical fibers that carry an image from the tip of the instrument to a viewing piece at the other end.

Ridid cystoscope: This is a solid straight telescope that is used along with a high intensity light source and a separate channel to allow other instruments to be attached.
Flexible cystoscope: This is used particularly for diagnosis and follow-up of most bladder tumors. It is a fibre optic instrument that can bend easily and has manoeuvarable tip that makes it easy to pass along the curves of the urethra.

Cystoscopy is also done to evaluate problems that cannot be seen on x ray. Cystoscopy is used to further investigate the problems detected by ultrasound or intravenous pyelography. In women, cystoscopy helps to reveal uterine prolapse. A common and temporary side effect of this test is swelling in the urethra. A urinary catheter may be left in the patient's bladder to help drain the urine until the swelling in the urethra subsides.

Urinary Retention

Urinary Retention is a condition where a patient cannot empty the bladder completely. A person suffering from urinary retention will have a strong urge to urinate but will not be able to do so totally. Acute urinary retention is characterized by sharp pain and often needs surgery. Men are more likely to suffer urinary retention.

Urinary retention might occur due to urethral obstruction or weakness in the bladder well. Urine analysis can aid in detecting the cause for urinary retention. PSA levels can help in diagnosing enlarged prostate. Renal failure or prostatitis or UTI can also manifest with urinary retention. Bladder stones are another cause for incomplete passage of urine. Patients suffering from urinary retention tend to experience abdominal swelling and difficulty in starting urination. There might be dribbling of urine at other times. A urethral catheter is used to allow free passage of urine. Medications to encourage urination are given to patients suffering from urinary retention.