Bladder cancer is the most common type of cancer. It begins in the bladder cells. The bladder is referred to as a hollow organ with muscular walls located in the lower abdomen in which urine is stored. More often, bladder cancer starts in cells called the urothelial cells. These cells line the insides of the bladder and are also found in the kidneys and ureter. However, while urothelial cancer can occur in the kidneys and ureters, it is a lot more common in the bladder.
What are the Different Types of Bladder Cancer?
Before delving into the types of bladder cancer, it is necessary to know that there are different cells present in the bladder and these cells have the potential to become cancerous owing to the impact of risk factors that promote their occurrence. Hence there are different types of bladder cancer identified based on the affected cells. They include
1. Urothelial Carcinoma: This was previously known as Transitional cell carcinoma. Urothelial carcinoma often occurs in the cells that line the bladder. This cancer is observed to expand when the bladder is full and contract once the bladder is empty. Urothelial carcinoma is a very common type of bladder cancer in the United States.
2. Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma is a type of bladder cancer that begins in cells that comprise the mucus-secreting glands in the bladder. However, this type of bladder cancer is very rare.
3. Small Cell Carcinoma: This is a very rare type of bladder cancer. It is a neuroendocrine epithelial tumor that encompasses less than 1% of bladder cancers. Small cell carcinoma is often identified by a painless macroscopic hematuria.
4. Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type of bladder cancer is often associated with chronic irritation of the bladder, which may arise as a result of an infection or prolonged use of a catheter. Squamous cell carcinoma usually occurs in some parts of the world where bladder infections arise from parasitic infections like schistosomiasis.
5. Sarcomatoid Carcinoma: This type of bladder cancer often starts in the fat layers of the bladder. However, just like small cell carcinoma, it is very rare.
What are Some Common Causes?
a. Smoking: Smoking cigarettes or pipes has the potential to increase the risk of bladder cancer. They cause the accumulation of harmful chemicals in the body. These chemicals are often processed by the body and some are deposited into the urine.
b. Radiation Exposure: While exposure therapy may be effective in the treatment of bladder cancer, it may also increase the risk of bladder infection as well as bladder cancer.
c. Frequent Bladder Infections: Repeated bladder/urinary infections which may arise due to long-term use of a urinary catheter may increase the risk of squamous cell carcinoma.
What are the Signs and Symptoms?
Some of the few observable symptoms of bladder cancer are:
Hematuria (blood in urine:) This may cause the urine to appear bright red, but sometimes the urine may appear normal and can only be detected on lab tests.
Frequent urination.
Painful urination.
Back pain.
What are Some Risk Factors?
Smoking
History of cancer either personal or family
Aging
Being male
Exposure to certain harmful chemicals
How is the Diagnosis Made?
Test and procedures necessary for adequate diagnosis of bladder cancer may include:
a. Cystoscopy: Examination of the bladder using a scope.
b. Biopsy: Removal of sample tissue from the bladder for testing.
c. Cytology: Examination of the urine sample
d. Imaging tests include ultrasound, MRI and Cat Scan.
How to Prevent Bladder Cancer?
While there is no certain means of preventing bladder infections, one can always take precautionary steps to reduce the risk. Some of them include:
Avoid smoking.
Be cautious around chemicals.
Promote your intake of fruits and vegetables.
Self-Care Tips:
Top 10 and anti cancer foods:
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables.
Cruciferous vegetables contain sulforphane which helps to inhibit certain carcinogens. Sulfur containing foods are excellent sources of foods in the fight against cancer. These foods are also known to inhibit cancer cell growth.
Cruciferous vegetables include cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, bok choy, collard greens, kale, and broccoli. These are high in B vitamins, magnesium, and polyphenols, which can slow the growth of cancer cells.
Stay away from these vegetables: Nightshade foods contain a product called Solanine, which is thought to worsen arthritis and inflammation. Additionally, nightshade products are high in lectins. Lectins associated with the inflammation, and remember inflammation result in disease.
Common nightshade, products include tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and bell peppers. A few notable exceptions to the nightshade family that tends to decrease inflammation are goji berries, and purple potatoes. People with rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory disorders should minimize the amount of lectin products in their diet.
Allium family.
Foods of this family are often high in sulfa compounds and flavonoids which are well-known for their anti-cancer properties, as well as preventing the growth and spread of several cancers. Foods in this arena would include onions, garlic, scallions, leeks, and chives. Garlic has shown to slow or stop the growth of tumors in the prostate, bladder, colon, and stomach tissue, as well as protect against skin and lung cancer. Garlic specifically known to block and halt the activation of cancer-causing substance and marked reduction in cancer cells spreading.
Dark green, leafy vegetables.
Leafy green vegetables are an abundant source of folate, which helps stabilize DNA information and could also repair DNA. These vegetables are also high in Beta Carotene, and zeaxanthin which are powerful antioxidants. Some of these foods include broccoli, kale, and cabbage.
Fruits/Berries.
Blueberries and blackberries contain ellagic acid which is a wonderful antioxidants that is known to inhibit tumor growth. They are full of polynutrients and antioxidants. Berries on a whole have been associated with cancer impedance, apoptosis/programmed cell death, and also limit the spread of cancers. Some other berries include raspberries, and strawberries.
Say NO to these: grapes, mangoes, watermelon. Although grapes are high in resveratrol they are also very high in sugar which causes inflammatory in origin. Also reduce consumption of fruit juices, dried fruits and canned fruits as they’re also turning heart in fructose, corn syrup, and carbs. Many dried fruits and fruit juices contain added sugar, which may offset any potential fiber health benefits.
Herbs and spices.
Ginger and turmeric are two of the most powerful anti-inflammatory spices one could eat. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is known to be lethal to cancer. Curcumin may is known to block cancer cells from multiplying and in some instances may kill colon, breast, prostate, and melanoma cancer cells. Curcumin can decrease inflammation and help the body detect and destroy mutated cells. Ginger along with turmeric are known to target and inhibit various cancer pathways. Ginger can inhibit growth of certain cancer cells by interrupting their cell-cycle progression, and impairing cancer reproduction.
Cinnamon is another powerful spice, which helps to limit the progression of cancer by inducing apoptosis/program cell death. Cinnamon is also known to reduce cancer size in several models.
Nuts.
True nuts to include walnuts, almonds, and pistachios are known to help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer to include endometrial cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Nuts are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. Antioxidants tend to neutralize highly reactive molecules or free radicals that could damage DNA, and it could be the nidus for developing certain cancers. Seleniu for example is considered a superfood in that contains several antioxidant enzymes, specifically in Brazil nuts. Additionally, nuts contain flavonoids and phenolic acids which are phytocompounds that are thought to increase anti-inflammatory enzymes, and increased antioxidant levels in several studies.
Say NO to these: several legumes are often confused with nuts. These include beans, peas, lentils, peanut, cashews. Also, say no to chia, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds as they are also high in lectins.
Healthy oils.
Oils to include olive oil, and flaxseed oil are found to reduce the growth and spread of certain cancers. Both of these oils have been known to reduce risk of colorectal cancers. In one study, diet high in olive oil, was associated with a 50% risk reduction in several Mediterranean countries.
Say NO to these oils: cottonseed, corn oil, grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, safflower oil, soy oil, and sunflower oil.
These oils are generally highly processed, which strips them of their antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These are also higher in omega-6 fatty acids which can lead to increased inflammation in the body and potentially contribute to disease. Additional some oil in this group may contain high levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can be dangerous to human health. PAHs have been found to cause cancer.
Mushrooms.
Study suggests that mushrooms when eaten daily has a 45% risk reduction of certain cancers, when compared to people who did not eat mushrooms. Mushrooms are thought to decrease several cancers and increased program death of several cancers. Most important in the list of mushrooms include a shiitake, oyster, maitake, and King oyster mushrooms, which are rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. Additionally, these mushrooms are rich in the amino acid ergothioneine which is known to induce necroptosis (cancerous cell death) in colorectal cancers.
Teas/green tea.
Green tea is high in EGCG/epigallocatechin gallate which is known to retard the growth of several cancers. Green tea also helps to prevent the development of cancer as well as killing developing cancerous cells. EGCG is known to inhibit the spread of certain cancer cells, and specifically known to reduce the recurrence of breast cancer.
Oily fish.
Fatty/oily fish like mackerel, tuna, herring, salmon, and trout are high in omega-3 fatty acids known to lower risk of malignancies. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce fatty deposition within the vessels, prevent heart disease, and help to manage symptoms of multiple autoimmune disorders to include lupus. Fatty fish/omega-3 consumption can also reduce risk of prostate cancer.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
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