Bladder cancer is one of the five most diagnosed tumors Europe. In Spain more than 12,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and in Europe, 200,000. It is the fourth tumor with the highest incidence in men, behind prostate, lung and colon, and the fifth most diagnosed in women, after breast, lung, colon and uterus. But despite having one of the highest incidences in Europe, bladder cancer is unknown.
Early detection is key. Patients diagnosed at an early stage have an 80% chance of surviving five years, while life expectancy drops by half if diagnosed at more advanced stages. Fortunately, in many cases it is not a silent tumor. The most frequent symptom is the presence of blood in the urine. Along with Urology Weekwhich is celebrated from September 26 to 30, the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital join the campaign European Association of Urology (EAU)who this year wants to give visibility to the importance of early diagnosis and not to miss the change in the color of urine.
“The presence of blood in the urine or hematuria is usually the first symptom of bladder cancer and should be a reason for consulting a specialist,” warns the Dr. Albert Carrionattached to the section of Bladder cancer at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital. “Besides a change in the color of the urine, we need to be attentive to other symptoms such as changes in urination, such as voiding more often or feeling sick,” he added.
The picture of a bladder cancer patient is usually a picture of a male smoker over 60 years old. But there are also cases in young non-smoking women or men, like pilot NRome saiddouble winner of dakar rally, on a motorcycle, in 2004, and by car, ten years later. His case is unusual, as he is a young man with no smoking history. The Dr. Albert Carrion, deputy of the Bladder Cancer section, along with Dr. Fernando Lozano and the head of the Unit, Dr. Carles Raventós, They follow up and review your case. The team is part of Urology Unit led by Dr. Enrique Trilla. The pilot Nani Rome, who after being away from the competition for a season, stepped on the accelerator again, supports the campaign to recognize the symptoms of this tumor early with the aim of anticipating diagnoses and reducing mortality. “If I had identified the presence of blood in the urine as a risk factor, I would have visited the doctor sooner,” he said. The medical team that treated him explained that his recovery was record-breaking, thanks to his physical condition. “He underwent surgery in June and is driving again,” said Dr. Carles Raventós.
Risk factors
The bladder is the organ responsible for storing urine and the main risk factors for developing bladder cancer are aging and smoking. It is caused by changes in the bladder cells and may be related to exposure to certain chemicals.
Aging is inevitable, but tobacco can be. The constant excretion of toxic substances from tobacco through the urine can cause cancer. There are other less frequent causes such as those related to occupational exposure to other products such as paints, dyes or metals. “These cases have decreased thanks to labor protection measures such as the use of a mask,” said the Dr. Albert Carrion. A final uncommon cause is urinary tract infections caused by parasites.
research saves lives
Bladder cancer is classified according to its aggressiveness. The most common is a non-muscle-invasive tumor. It is suffered by 75% of patients, it does not invade the bladder muscle and it has a good prognosis. It can be treated with chemotherapy or immunotherapy instillations in the bladder. The bladder cancer vaccine was the first immunotherapy to work. “We put the modified tuberculosis bacillus (BCG) directly into the bladder and the body responds by triggering an immune response that eliminates the cancer cells,” explains Dr. Albert Carrion.
25% of tumors are muscle invasive and are treated with chemotherapy and then with bladder removal. This procedure, called a cystectomy, can be performed using a minimally invasive technique using da vinci robot. “Depending on the type of patient, we can take the bladder and reconstruct a new bladder with a piece of intestine”, explains Dr. Albert Carrion. the section of Bladder Cancer Hospital Vall d’Hebron is a pioneer in this technique, performing the first intracorporeal bladder reconstruction using the Da Vinci robot in Catalonia in 2017.
Nursing plays a prominent role in this career. “We are the first to receive patients after the first evaluation of non-muscle-invasive cases”, commented Natalia Pujala, a nurse in the Bladder Cancer section. “We accompany them throughout the treatment. The most common is immunotherapy with the tuberculosis bacillus (BCG). It has good tolerance. Usually, we give the first treatment of six weeks and then maintenance in periods of three weeks alternating with three months to rest”, he explained.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
