Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Bladder Cancer Research Projects May Uncover Helpful Information

By Bonnie Contreras


The bladder is a organ designed to store urine in a hollow space until it can be eliminated. It is situated in the lower part of the abdominal cavity. Most people feel an uncomfortable pressure when their bladder has become full to capacity. It is not wise to attempt to hold urine past this point, as infections can occur. Bladder cancer research is being conducted on an ongoing basis in order to determine if better treatments or a cure can be found for this devastating illness.

In much of the Western world as well as the United States, this kind of cancer is sixth most common among all types. However, if malignant growths in this organ are discovered early, the lives of many patients can be saved. Unfortunately, the disease is often spread to surrounding organs before it is discovered.

Studies have concluded that using tobacco products can place a person at a higher than normal risk for such malignancies. One of the many hazardous substances found in smoke from cigarettes is sulfur, which irritates the bladder's lining, and subsequently encourages cell division. Fortunately, those who stop using cigarettes lower their risk factor for the disease almost immediately.

Symptoms of a malignancy in this area include blood in one's urine, low back pain, painful urination, and the need to urinate frequently. It is important to understand, however, that symptoms of this type do not always mean that one has a malignant tumor. There is a vast array of other conditions that may also cause such symptoms. These include cysts, infections, and other disorders. This is why anyone having such symptoms should seek medical evaluation.

Those with a history of cancer in their family may have a higher risk than others for contracting the aforementioned disease. This all depends on whether or not the person carries a certain gene. Studies are underway to develop a test that can be used to determine whether such a gene is present. If a person tests positive for this gene, appropriate screenings can be regularly completed in order to uncover any cell division while it is still in its early stages.

For reasons not yet known to the medical community, this type of malignancy affects more males than females. Additionally, there is a higher incidence of the disease among Caucasians than Asians are Africans. This is also a phenomena for which there is no known reason, although research is being conducted to discover why people of certain races have an increased risk.

As with all malignant growths, the risk of bladder tumors increases with age. However, this is the case with most cancers, and therefore it is challenging to discover exactly why elderly people are at an increased risk for bladder cancer. Some health scientists believe that specific chemicals placed in beverages and food can also increase a person's risk for such malignancies. This is particularly true if the individual consumes high amounts of specific types of processed foods and beverages.

Treatments for the aforementioned cancer usually include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical removal of tumors. More bladder cancer research is currently being conducted in an attempt to find a cure and better treatments for this devastating disease. Although not a common disorder, bladder cancer can lead to death. For this reason, any person who is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above should schedule an appointment for evaluation by a medical professional.




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