In the United States, bladder cancers usually start from the cells lining the bladder (transitional cells).
These tumors may be classified based on the way they grow:
Papillary tumors have a wart-like appearance and are attached to a stalk.
Nonpapillary tumors are much less common. However, they are more invasive and have a worse outcome.
As with most other cancers, the exact cause of bladder cancer is uncertain. However, several factors may contribute to its development:
Cigarette smoking. Smoking increases the risk of developing bladder cancer nearly fivefold. As many as 50% of all bladder cancers in men and 30% in women may be caused by cigarette smoke. People who quit smoking have a gradual decline in risk.
Chemical exposure at work. About one in four cases of bladder cancer is caused by exposure to cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens) on the job. Dye workers, rubber workers, aluminum workers, leather workers, truck drivers, and pesticide applicators are at the highest risk. Arylamines are the chemicals most responsible. However, arylamines have been reduced or eliminated in many workplaces.
Cystoscopy (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Cystoscopy is a procedure to see the inside of the bladder and urethra.Cystoscopy is performed with a cystoscope-- a specialized tube with a small camera on the end(endoscope). There are two types of cystoscopes:.The way the cystoscope is inserted...Reviewer: Scott M. Gilbert, MD, Department of Urology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 05/22/2008
Bladder biopsy (5 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Bladder biopsy is a procedure that involves removing a small piece of tissue from the bladder for examination.A bladder biopsy is usually performed as a part of a cystoscopy. A small portion of tissue or the entire area of concern is removed and s...Reviewer: Scott M. Gilbert, MD, Department of Urology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 05/22/2008
Cytology exam of urine (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
A cytology exam of urine is used to detect cancer and inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract.A clean catch(midstream) urine sample is needed. For information on how to obtain the sample, see clean catch urine specimen.The urine sample is proce...Reviewer: Frank A. Greco, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Biophysical Laboratory, The Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/15/2007
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