Condition- Bladder Cancer

Question 1

What is the most common type of bladder cancer?

Answer 1

Transitional Cell cancer (urothelial cancer)- 90% of bladder cancer

Question 2

List the three main types of bladder cancers

Answer 2

1. Transitional cell carcinoma (>90% of cases)
2. Squamous cell carcinoma ( 1-7% -except in regions affected by schistosomiasis)
3. Adenocarcinoma (2%)

Question 3

What is a common cause of squamous cell bladder carcinoma worlwide?

Answer 3

Schistosomiasis

Question 4

List some risk factors for the development of bladder cancer- which one is the most significant?

Answer 4

• SMOKING: 2-5 fold increased risk of the disease
• Aromatic amines e.g. 2-Naphthylamine- rubber and dye stuffs
• Pelvic irradiation e.g. for prostate cancer therapy
• Chronic cystitis- schistosomiasis and chronic catheter use

Question 5

Which gender and age group is bladder cancer more prevalent?

Answer 5

MALES

50-70yrs

Question 6

List some of the symptoms experienced by someone with bladder cancer

Answer 6

• Painless macroscopic haematuria
• Irritative/ storage symtpoms:
  
  • Frequency
  • Urgency
  • Nocuria
  • Voidingirritability
• Recurrent UTIs
• May get ureteral obstruction => retention

Question 7

List some differentials for bladder cancer

Answer 7

BPH, Prostate cancer, overactive bladder with age

If Tx for this is ineffective cytology is indicated

Question 8

Which investigation is required for the diagnosis of bladder cancer?

Answer 8

Cytoscopy

Question 9

Which investigations might you carry out on a patient with bladder cancer and why?

Answer 9

• Cytsoscopy: biopsy of cancer + pathological diagnosis
• Urine microscopy/ cytology
• Ultrasound: To check for obstruction
• CT/MRI: staging