Understanding Bladder cancer in men: Recognising symptoms and exploring treatment options
Bladder cancer is a condition that can affect both men and women, but men are statistically more prone to developing this disease. In this blog post, we will delve into the symptoms of bladder cancer in men and explore various treatment options available to tackle this potentially life-altering condition.
Symptoms:
Blood in Urine (Hematuria): One of the most common and noticeable symptoms of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, a condition known as hematuria. While hematuria doesn’t always indicate bladder cancer, it is a crucial symptom that should not be ignored. The blood may appear bright red or brown, and it is often painless.
Frequent Urination: Men with bladder cancer may experience an increased urgency to urinate, coupled with frequent trips to the bathroom. This symptom can disrupt daily activities and significantly impact the quality of life.
Painful Urination: Pain or a burning sensation during urination may be indicative of bladder cancer. However, this symptom is not exclusive to bladder cancer and can also be associated with other urinary tract infections.
Pelvic or Back Pain: As bladder cancer progresses, it can cause pain in the pelvic region or lower back. This discomfort may indicate the spread of cancer to surrounding tissues and organs.
Unintentional Weight Loss: Rapid and unexplained weight loss can be a sign that the cancer has advanced. This occurs as the body diverts resources to fight the disease, leading to a decrease in overall weight.
Treatment Options:
Surgery: Surgery is often the primary treatment for bladder cancer. The extent of surgery depends on the stage and location of the tumour. Transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) is a common procedure where a cystoscope is used to remove the tumour from the bladder lining. In more advanced cases, partial or complete removal of the bladder (cystectomy) may be necessary.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. In the context of bladder cancer, chemotherapy can be administered intravenously or directly into the bladder. It is often used before or after surgery to target cancer cells that may have spread beyond the bladder.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy stimulates the body’s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is a type of immunotherapy commonly used for superficial bladder cancer. It is instilled directly into the bladder to provoke an immune response.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy utilises high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. While less common for bladder cancer, it may be recommended in specific cases, such as when surgery is not an option or as part of a combined treatment approach.
Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth. Drugs target these molecules and are used for advanced cases of bladder cancer that do not respond to other treatments.
Conclusion:
Bladder cancer can be a challenging and life-altering diagnosis, but early detection and prompt treatment significantly improve the chances of a positive outcome. Men should pay attention to symptoms such as hematuria, frequent urination, and pelvic pain, seeking medical attention if they experience any of these signs. The available treatment options, ranging from surgery to immunotherapy, highlight the progress in medical science towards managing and combating bladder cancer effectively. Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and awareness are essential elements in the ongoing fight against this disease.