Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a common malignancy originating in the urinary bladder's lining, with high incidence rates in regions such as Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, significantly influenced by smoking. It is categorized into non-muscle invasive (superficial) and muscle-invasive types, depending on tumor depth. The most prevalent form is transitional cell carcinoma, with squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma also occurring, particularly in areas affected by schistosomiasis. Key risk factors include smoking, chemical exposure, family history, age, gender, and chronic bladder inflammation. Clinical manifestations often involve hematuria, dysuria, urinary frequency, urgency, and abdominal or back pain. If untreated, the disease may metastasize to lymph nodes, bones, lungs, or liver. Treatment strategies encompass surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, with early detection playing a crucial role in improving outcomes. Specialized nursing care in urology and oncology is essential for managing this condition effectively.

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