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Stephan L. Werner M.D., F.A.C.S. What is Bladder Cancer? (BlCa) Bladder cancer is an abnormal overgrowth of bladder tissues, that can grow, recur or spread (metastasize), It is the sixth most common cancer in the United States. In 2001, the American Cancer Society estimated that there were 52,900 new cases of bladder cancer in the United States and about 12,400 deaths. Bladder cancer is more common in males, 2.5 males to 1 female, and twice as common in whites as African Americans. Smoking is the single greatest cause of bladder cancer, implicated in 30 to 40 percent of these tumors. Long standing infection especially when associated with bladder stones or obstruction or bladder dysfunction may induce BlCa. Birth Defects such as a persistent Urachus, (a tube or connection to the umbilicus, that usually disappears before birth), or a extrophy of the bladder, (bladder open to the skin at birth), may be associated with the rarer adenocarcinomas or squamous cell carcinomas of the bladder. Occupational hazards such as exposure to aromatic amines found in certain dyes or overuse of phenacetin, a pain reliever may also play a causative role. Industries with higher risk include rubber production, leather, textiles, paints and printing. Herbal medicines, specifically Aristochilia Fangchi, a Chinese herb used in diet supplements and weight loss programs has been implicated as well. Infection with schistosoma hematobium, a worm found in africa and the middle east may cause bladder cancer years after exposure or even cure. Abnormal genes, either inherited or mutated also can play roles in the development of BlCa. Specifically the p53 and HER2/neu oncogenes of the Rb tumor suppressor genes have been identified as participating. Lastly a personal history of bladder cancer increases the likelihood of a recurrence, and lifelong monitoring is necessary. What are the Symptoms of Bladder Cancer? Painless bleeding in the urine is the single most common symptom of bladder cancer. While it may represent other conditions as well, a patient with even intermittent visible or invisible blood in the urine, not associated with other symptoms, (pain on urination, urinary frequency, burning, urgency), should be seen by a urologist, who can do the appropriate tests. Bleeding associated with other symptoms can frequently be treated or treated initially by a primary physician. Other symptoms such as pain or frequency can be associated with BlCa, but may have many other causes as well. Rev: 01/02
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[Home] Werner - Francis Urology Associates llc - Mid Atlantic Urology Associates llc Greenbelt - Bowie - Laurel Maryland (301) 441-8900 Fax (301) 982 0453 7500 Hanover Parkway Suite 206 Greenbelt, MD 20770
Rev:03/08 |