What Is The Most Advanced Stage Of Cancer
The most advanced stage of cancer is stage 4. The stage of cancer denotes where cancer cells are in the body and how much of the body is affected. Some forms of cancer have a stage 0, but most use stages 1 to 4. Doctors will confirm the stage at the time of diagnosis, and this number will not change. Stage 4 is the most advanced stage of cancer.
Signs & Symptoms Of Bladder Cancer
As with most cancers, signs and symptoms of bladder cancer dont manifest themselves until the cancer has spread to a more advanced stage. While some people with bladder cancer may experience the following signs and symptoms, other people with bladder cancer experience no changes at all. Keep in mind that these symptoms can be caused by a medical condition other than cancer. Still, it is important that they are not ignored. If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
A Detailed Look At Bladder Cancer Symptoms
02/10/2017 ·If a person experiences lower back and/or abdominal pain without any other symptoms, then it is not very likely that the cause is bladder cancer. 2 However, if you experience symptoms related to urination as well as lower back or abdominal pain, then your healthcare provider will probably perform a series of tests to find out the cause. In patients with
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How Common Are Bladder Infections
Bladder infections are very common, especially in women. Approximately 60% of women will experience a bladder infection during their lifetime. And these infections may recur: Between 20% and 40% of women who have a bladder infection will experience at least another in their lifetime. Men are less likely to get bladder infections because of differences in their anatomy.
Early Signs Of Bladder Cancer In Women
Knowing the signs and symptoms can help you get diagnosed sooner, which may improve your prognosis. Here are five warning signs to watch for:
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What Is Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
Muscle invasive bladder cancer is a cancer that spreads into the detrusor muscle of the bladder. The detrusor muscle is the thick muscle deep in the bladder wall. This cancer is more likely to spread to other parts of the body.
In the U.S., bladder cancer is the third most common cancer in men. Each year, there are more than 83,000 new cases diagnosed in men and women. About 25% of bladder cancers are MIBC. Bladder cancer is more common as a person grows older. It is found most often in the age group of 75-84. Caucasians are more likely to get bladder cancer than any other ethnicity. But there are more African-Americans who do not survive the disease.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is when your body cells grow out of control. When this happens, the body cannot work the way it should. Most cancers form a lump called a tumor or a growth. Some cancers grow and spread fast. Others grow more slowly. Not all lumps are cancers. Cancerous lumps are sometimes called malignant tumors.
What is Bladder Cancer?
When cells of the bladder grow abnormally, they can become bladder cancer. A person with bladder cancer will have one or more tumors in his/her bladder.
How Does Bladder Cancer Develop and Spread?
The bladder wall has many layers, made up of different types of cells. Most bladder cancers start in the urothelium or transitional epithelium. This is the inside lining of the bladder. Transitional cell carcinoma is cancer that forms in the cells of the urothelium.
Symptoms In The Elderly
Most people who develop a urinary tract infection will exhibit symptoms, such as those listed above. However, elderly people are less likely to display classic symptoms specific to the genital and urinary regions. This may be due to changes in immune function as age increases, as well as the possibility of additional diseases and disorders affecting usual bodily responses.
Additionally, a urinary tract infection may cause certain behavioral changes in an elderly adult, such as confusion, agitation or disorientation. Such symptoms are often categorized as delirium. People with age-related issues such as delirium or dementia are especially at risk of developing a more severe UTI because they may not be able to communicate their symptoms and receive prompt treatment.
Although this connection between UTIs and delirium has been established, the reason why delirium may occur in elderly adults with a UTI is not yet known.
Good to know: If a urinary tract infection is suspected in an elderly person, always contact a doctor as a simple urine analysis test is usually enough to confirm the diagnosis.
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Pain In The Right Side When Breathing
Pain under the right ribs or in the ribs can be due to muscle or bone reasons. In these cases the pains are usually stabbing, intensifying according to the movements that are made. Some of the causes of right rib pain are:
- Inflammation of cartilage in the ribs
Depending on the condition as well as on what level it is, the treatment should be one or the other. However, in those cases in which the pain in the right side is due to trauma or poor movement, recovery can be done with rest and the administration of analgesics to reduce the pain. In depending on which cases it will be necessary to immobilize the area.
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How Many Times More Likely Is Bladder Cancer In Men Than Women
Men are about three to four times more likely than women to develop bladder cancer, and older people are more likely to be affected. Up to 90% of those affected are over 55 years of age. Smokers are at an increased risk for development of bladder cancer. Exposure to certain chemicals used in manufacturing and industry
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Bladder Cancer Signs And Symptoms
01/09/2013 ·The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network Support Community connects patients, families, friends and caregivers for support and inspiration. … As usual I was very weak and had burning urine. I had a sandwich and about 4 hours later, I had terrible abdominal pain and the urge to use the bathroom for a bowel movement but I found I was very constipated all of a
What Is The Tube That Connects The Kidneys To The Bladder
Tubes called ureters connect your kidneys to the bladder. Urine flows through the ureters and into your bladder, where its stored. When you urinate , the bladder squeezes the urine out through a tube called the urethra. Bladder cancer usually starts in the lining or inner layer of the bladder wall.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Bladder Cancer
The following are signs and symptoms of bladder cancer: Blood in the urine: This is the most common symptom of bladder cancer and occurs in the vast majority of people with bladder cancer. Having blood in the urine does not necessarily mean a person has cancer, since other conditions can lead to bloody urine,
More Than Just Leg Pain
It wasnt until a sleepless night at a sports camp in Arizona that Whitmore says she knew something was seriously wrong. I couldnt sleep, and I was having a ton of sciatic nerve pain. I usually had it when I drove a long time or sat too longit was more annoying than anything.
The next morning she decided to try to go for a jog, and the pain immediately became excruciating. She opted instead to ride her bike, hoping that would ease the pain. Once I got on my bike I was in so much pain I was bawling. I flew back home to go to a nearby hospital. I knew whatever was going on was bad if I couldnt ride my bike. Whitmore never thought her leg pain could be cancerthe worst she thought it could be was a pulled a muscle.
After scans showed a grapefruit-sized mass near her ovary, she was referred to an obstetrician who performed an exploratory laparoscopy. He said he thought it was cancer, but I began to bleed out during surgery, so he was unable to retrieve a sample to biopsy. As her pain continued to increase, so did other symptoms. I wasnt able to use the restroom without pain I was bed-ridden, unable to walk. No one could tell me exactly what was wrong.
Courtesy Jamie Whitmore
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What Causes Bladder Cancer And Am I At Risk
Each year, about 83,730 new cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. It affects more men than women and the average age at diagnosis is 73.
Cigarette smoking is the biggest risk factor for bladder cancer. About half of all bladder cancers are caused by cigarette smoking. Other risk factors for developing bladder cancer include: family history, occupational exposure to chemicals , previous cancer treatment with cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, or pelvic radiation, the medication pioglitazone, exposure to arsenic , aristolochic , bladder infections caused by schistosoma haematobium, not drinking enough fluids, a genetic condition called Lynch Syndrome, a mutation of the retinoblastoma gene or the PTEN gene. and neurogenic bladder and the overuse of indwelling catheters.
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When To Make An Appointment With Your Urologist
Bladder cancer may be overlooked in women because its easy to chalk up symptoms to a stubborn UTI or normal vaginal spotting. Unfortunately, this means women are often diagnosed after the cancer has spread and become harder to treat. So if youre worried, dont just write off your symptoms. Call your doctor to determine if its a minor infection or something more serious. If it is bladder cancer, its easier to treat if you catch it early.
If you would like to talk to a urologist, you can see if we have a location near you or you can contact us to ask a question or make an appointment.
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For Patients With A Urostomy
If you had a radical cystectomy and now have a urostomy, you might worry even about everyday activities at first. You might have to alter some of your daily routines because of changes in how you urinate. Other issues such as having sex might also cause concerns .
Its normal to have worries and concerns when adjusting to such a major change. But its important to know there are health care professionals who are specially trained to help people with their urostomies. They can teach you to take care of your urostomy and help you cope with the changes it brings. You can also ask the American Cancer Society about programs offering information and support in your area. For more information, see our Urostomy Guide.
Bladder Cancer Clinical Trials
What about Clinical Trials?
You may hear about clinical trials for your bladder cancer. Clinical trials are research studies that test if a new treatment or procedure is safe and effective.
Through clinical trials, doctors find new ways to improve treatments and the quality of life for people with disease. Trials are available for all stages of cancer. The results of a clinical trial can make a major difference to patients and their families. Please visit our clinical trials research webpage to learn more.
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What Causes Bladder Cancer
The cause of bladder cancer is not understood, but certain risk factors are known to increase an individual’s risk of getting bladder cancer. Men are about three to four times more likely than women to develop bladder cancer, and older people are more likely to be affected. Up to 90% of those affected are over 55 years of age. Smokers are at an increased risk for development of bladder cancer. Exposure to certain chemicals used in manufacturing and industry are associated with a higher risk of bladder cancer, so people who work in certain occupations are at increased risk. Being infected with certain parasites that are common in tropical areas also increases the risk for bladder cancer.
How Can I Prevent Bladder Cancer
Stopping smoking is the best way to prevent bladder cancer. You should also reduce your exposure to cancer-causing agents to help prevent bladder cancer. Other than these measures, decreasing your risk of invasive bladder cancer relies on early detection of symptoms and possibly screening if you are high-risk.
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Can You Get Bladder Cancer From An Indwelling Catheter
It was discovered that people who worked with certain chemicals known as aromatic amines had a very high risk of developing bladder cancer. Long term indwelling catheters people who manage and treat a bladder problem with an indwelling catheter have an increased risk of developing squamous cell bladder cancer.
Managing Bladder And Bowel Incontinence
Some common treatments are:
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Changes in food or drink. Increasing your fiber intake can help manage diarrhea and constipation. Drinking plenty of fluids can also ease constipation. Not drinking fluids at certain times can help manage overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.
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Exercises. Kegel exercises can strengthen the sphincter muscles and pelvic floor. This can help you have better control.
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Medicines. Some medicines can help control bowel incontinence. Antidiarrheal medicines can help manage diarrhea. And medicine can help bladder muscles relax to give you better control.
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Keeping a bathroom schedule. Setting a regular schedule for using the toilet can give you better control. This includes attempting to urinate or move your bowels at the same time each day.
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Electrical stimulation. This therapy can stimulate damaged nerves. This may give you better muscle control in your bladder or bowel.
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Surgery. In rare cases, you may need surgery to repair damage to muscles or nerves.
Your healthcare provider will work with you to create a treatment plan.
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How To Treat Uti Bloating And Weight Gain
UTI sufferers may experience an increase in the size of their abdomen and bloating. This can be accompanied by a sense of fullness after eating even small amounts, and weight gain. While these symptoms are caused largely by your bodys reaction to bacteria or other infectious agents, they can also be exacerbated by diet.
The best way to treat UTI bloating and weight gain is to follow a diet that improves your digestive health, speeds up the removal of bacteria from your body, and boosts your immune system.
- A balanced diet
- Plenty of fluids
- Regular exercise
All these can help you fight back against UTI bloating and weight gain by speeding up the removal of toxins from your body.
Living As A Bladder Cancer Survivor
For some people with bladder cancer , treatment can remove or destroy the cancer. The end of treatment can be both stressful and exciting. You may be relieved to finish treatment, but find it hard not to worry about cancer coming back. This is very common if youve had cancer.
For other people, bladder cancer might never go away completely or might come back in another part of the body. Some people may get regular treatment with chemotherapy , immunotherapy, or other treatments to try to keep the cancer in check. Learning to live with cancer that doesnt go away can be difficult and very stressful.
Life after bladder cancer means returning to some familiar things and also making some new choices.
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What Does Normal Stomach Pain Feel Like Should I Be Worried
Cramping is caused when the bowel spasms or contracts. Its not usually a constant pain, but can come in waves or intermittent sharp pains. It might be accompanies by constipation, gas or diarrhoea.
For anyone whos ever experienced constipation or severe wind, despite being mostly harmless, it can feel very painful. Some types of chemotherapy can make these symptoms more common and more pronounced.
S For Managing Gi Pain
While some of these approaches may seem simple, they can be effective for pain relief. To ease GI discomfort, you can try:4
Applying cold or heat. If you have stomach pain or bloating, try applying a warm compress to increase blood flow to your abdomen. On the other hand, an ice pack may feel better if your pain is from inflammation. A cold compress can also help ease nausea.
Exercising. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, bicycling, and practicing yoga can interrupt your GI pain cycle. Exercise even decreases other GI symptoms like bloating. Improved physical fitness is a good way to prevent pain from a lack of mobility.
Seeing a physical therapist or occupational therapist. A physical therapist can give you exercises to ease GI discomfort. An occupational therapist will help you think about doing everyday tasks in a way that will not increase your stomach pain.
Learning mind-body techniques. Breathing exercises, meditation, or mindful activities such as yoga or tai chi can make you feel more in control of your reactions to pain. For example, you may find that frequently pausing for a basic breathing exercise could help ease your discomfort. Meditation can also help ease nausea.
Using a biofeedback machine. Along with your mind-body techniques, you may want to use a biofeedback machine. This can help you visualize your heart rate or blood pressure. The machine can be another tool to help focus your mind away from your GI pain.
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