The
bladder is an organ located in the pelvic cavity that stores
and discharges urine. Urine is produced by the kidneys,
carried to the bladder by the ureters, and discharged from the
bladder through the urethra. Bladder cancer accounts for
approximately 90% of cancers of the urinary tract (renal
pelvis, ureters, bladder, urethra).
Types of Bladder
Cancer
Bladder cancer usually originates in the bladder lining, which
consists of a mucous layer of surface cells that expand and
deflate (transitional epithelial cells), smooth muscle, and a
fibrous layer. Tumors are categorized as low-stage
(superficial) or high-stage (muscle invasive).
In industrialized countries (e.g., United States, Canada,
France), more than 90% of cases originate in the transitional
epithelial cells (called transitional cell carcinoma; TCC). In
developing countries, 75% of cases are squamous cell
carcinomas caused by Schistosoma haematobium (parasitic
organism) infection. Rare types of bladder cancer include
small cell carcinoma, carcinosarcoma, primary lymphoma, and
sarcoma.
Incidence and Prevalence
of Bladder Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, the highest
incidence of bladder cancer occurs in industrialized countries
such as the United States, Canada, and France. Incidence is
lowest in Asia and South America, where it is about 70% lower
than in the United States.
Incidence of bladder cancer increases with age. People over
the age of 70 develop the disease 2 to 3 times more often than
those aged 55–69 and 15 to 20 times more often than those aged
30–54.
Bladder cancer is 2 to 3 times more common in men. In the
United States, approximately 38,000 men and 15,000 women are
diagnosed with the disease each year. Bladder cancer is the
fourth most common type of cancer in men and the eighth most
common type in women. The disease is more prevalent in
Caucasians than in African Americans and Hispanics.
Causes and Risk Factors
of Bladder Cancer
Cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) in the urine may lead to
the development of bladder cancer. Cigarette smoking
contributes to more than 50% of cases, and smoking cigars or
pipes also increases the risk. Other risk factors include the
following:
Consumption
of Aristolochia fangchi (herb used in some weight-loss
formulas)
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)
Infection
with Schistosoma haematobium (parasite found in many
developing countries)
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 workers
exposed during the preparation, storage, administration, or
disposal of antineoplastic drugs (used in chemotherapy) are at
increased risk. Occupational risk factors include recurrent
and early exposure to hair dye, and exposure to dye containing
aniline, a chemical used in medical and industrial dyes.
Workers at increased risk for bladder cancer include:
Hairdressers
Machinists
Printers
Painters
Truck drivers
Workers in
rubber, chemical, textile, metal, and leather industries
The Austin Diagnostic Clinic, A
Multi-Specialty Medical Clinic
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Austin, TX 78758 | 512.901.1111
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Central Texas since 1952
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