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Causes and Risk Factors
Causes and Risk Factors
Bladder cancer may develop as a result of substances (carcinogens) in the urine that cause cancer.
Other risk factors include the following:
- Age
- (recurrent urinary tract infections, urinary stones)
- Chronic bladder inflammation
Aristolochia fangchi (an herb found in several weight-loss formulations) ingestion
- Diet high in saturated fat
- Exposure to second-hand smoke
- External beam radiation
- Family history of bladder cancer (several genetic risk factors identified)
- Gender (male)
- Schistosoma haematobium infection (a parasite common in impoverished nations)
- Personal history of bladder cancer
- Race (Caucasian)
- Treatment with certain drugs (e.g., cyclophosfamide—used to treat cancer)
Exposure to carcinogens in the workplace also increases the risk for bladder cancer.
Medical professionals who are exposed to antineoplastic medicines (used in chemotherapy) during preparation, storage,
administration, or disposal are at higher risk.
Workers at increased risk include the following:
- Hairdressers
- Machinists
- Printers
- Painters
- Truck drivers
- Workers in rubber, chemical, textile, metal, and leather industries
Diagnosing Bladder Cancer
If cancer is suspected, diagnostic studies can include:
- Cystoscopy is an imaging procedure in which the urethra is used to insert a tube containing a lens into the bladder.
- Urine culture and Cytology; laboratory studies that analyze urine for bacteria and cancer cells.
- Biopsy; the removal of bladder cells for examination under a microscope.
- Imaging studies; studies such as MRI, CT scan, and IVU (intravenous urography) that provide a detailed picture of the urinary system.
