Question 1

is bladder cancer serious?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Most bladder cancers diagnosed in the us are, however, very early in their presentations (stages 0 or 1), and therefore curable. However, a neglected bladder cancer will progress to a more advanced form of cancer that may become incurable and lethal. Therefore, it is important to take care of this as soon as possible.

Question 2

is bladder cancer painful?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Bladder cancer is generally not painful until it has spread to local organs and structures. If it contained to the superficial lining of the bladder without invasion, it is usually not painful.

Question 3

is bladder cancer hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. : The vast majority of bladder cancers are linked with environmental factors, especially smoking. Many epidemiologic studies have looked at the role of genetics as risk factors. In most studies, there has been a small increase in risk in relatives, particularly in those who developed the disease before age 60. But the risk is greatly magnified in those who smoke, indicating a stronger smoking link.

Question 4

how serious is bladder cancer?

Accepted Answer

Serious: One can die from bladder cancer if that helps you understand it's gravity. The most common risk factor for bladder cancer is smoking. Do not smoke!

Question 5

can you die from bladder cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Bladder cancer can be a fatal illness if it spreads beyond the bladder.

Question 6

how dangerous is bladder cancer?

Accepted Answer

Depends: There are various grades of bladder cancer to determine how aggressive the cancer is. Cancers that are very aggressive and multifocal tend to be much more dangerous than other types of bladder that are more similar to normal bladder cells. If these very aggressive tumors are not treated appropriately, they tend to metastasize and spread over time. Once this occurs, the long term prognosis is poor.

Question 7

how is bladder cancer diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Cystoscopy: Bladder cancer may be seen on imaging studies or with an abnormal urine test but the definitive test is a cystoscopy and biopsy of the bladder. A cystoscopy is a telescope study to visualize the bladder lining.

Question 8

what usually causes bladder cancer?

Accepted Answer

Several factors...: Smoking tobacco increases your risk of bladder cancer by causing harmful chemicals to accumulate in your urine.
Chemicals linked to bladder cancer risk include arsenic and chemicals used in the manufacture of dyes, rubber, leather, textiles and paint products.
Urinary schistosomiasis (a parasitic infection endemic in egypt, africa and the middle east) is associated with bladder cancer.

Question 9

can bladder cancer occur in teenagers?

Accepted Answer

No: Obviously we never say never, but standard bladder cancer tends to occur later in life, is often associated with a history of smoking, and much more common in men then women.  I've never seen a teenager with bladder cancer.

Question 10

how likely is surviving bladder cancer?

Accepted Answer

Bladder cancer: Very good with superficial bladder cancer. With muscle invasive cancer, the grade and stage of the cancer will determine survival. 30-50% 5 year survival with higher stage cancers.

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Bladder cancer pathophysiology

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Is bladder cancer serious?

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Is bladder cancer hereditary?

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How serious is bladder cancer?

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Can you die from bladder cancer?

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How dangerous is bladder cancer?

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How is bladder cancer diagnosed?

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What usually causes bladder cancer?

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Can bladder cancer occur in teenagers?

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How likely is surviving bladder cancer?

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