January 21, 2020
Bladder Cancer & Incontinence
A cancer diagnosis changes everything. It can affect everything from finances to living situations, and addressing this kind of life-altering health issue is surely going to affect changes in mental health. Those suffering from cancer also face the consequences that come with treating it. Chemotherapy leads to nausea, hair loss, and a weakened immune system as side effects. Surgical procedures designed to remove cancerous cells and growths come with the chance for infection and painful recovery times. For those diagnosed with bladder cancer, another side effect may arise; urinary incontinence, or light bladder leaks. While this may seem more like an annoying nuisance in comparison to some other side effects that accompany a cancer diagnosis, light bladder leaks can be a demeaning and embarrassing health problem for a large number of people every year.
Bladder Cancer
What is bladder cancer? According to the American Cancer Society, bladder cancer is “when cells that make up the urinary bladder start to grow out of control. As more cancer cells develop, they can form a tumor and, with time, spread to other parts of the body.” There are technically three types of bladder cancer. According to Healthline, they can be described as: Transitional cell carcinoma - Transitional cell carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer. It begins in the transitional cells in the inner layer of the bladder. Transitional cells are cells that change shape without becoming damaged when the tissue is stretched. Squamous cell carcinoma - Squamous cell carcinoma is a rare cancer in the United States. It begins when thin, flat squamous cells form in the bladder after a long-term infection or irritation in the bladder. Adenocarcinoma - Adenocarcinoma is also a rare cancer in the United States. It begins when glandular cells form in the bladder after long-term bladder irritation and inflammation. Glandular cells are what make up the mucus-secreting glands in the body. There are several causes of bladder cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following may contribute to a bladder cancer diagnosis:- Smoking and other tobacco use
- Exposure to chemicals, especially working in a job that requires exposure to chemicals
- Past radiation exposure
- Chronic irritation of the lining of the bladder
- Parasitic infections, especially in people who are from or have traveled to certain areas outside the United States
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Painful urination
- Pelvic pain
- Back pain
- Frequent urination