Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Bautista
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Updated on: November 16, 2019
About Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer forms in tissues of the bladder. Most bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas (cancer that begins in cells that normally make up the inner lining of the bladder). Other types include squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in thin, flat cells) and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). The cells that form squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma develop in the inner lining of the bladder as a result of chronic irritation and inflammation.
Bladder cancer types include:
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC): This is the most common type of bladder cancer, accounting for about 90% of cases. TCC begins in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder. These cells are unique in their ability to expand and contract in response to the bladder’s fullness. TCC can be further subdivided into two categories based on how they grow:
- Papillary Carcinomas: These bladder cancer cells grow in slender, finger-like projections from the inner surface of the bladder toward the hollow center. They are generally a non-invasive bladder cancer and often have a better prognosis.
- Flat Carcinomas: These grow flatly against the bladder lining and are more likely to be an invasive bladder cancer or high-grade type, posing a greater risk of spreading.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type begins in the squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that may form in the bladder lining in response to irritation and chronic inflammation. It’s more common in areas where parasitic infections, particularly schistosomiasis, are a frequent cause of bladder infections.
- Adenocarcinoma: Making up about 1% of bladder cancers, adenocarcinoma starts in glandular cells that secrete mucus and other fluids. This type of bladder cancer is rare and tends to be invasive.
- Ureteral Cancer: Though not as common as the other types, ureteral cancer affects the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. This type of cancer is similar to TCC, as it often begins in the urothelial cells lining the ureters.
Causes and Risk Factors
Risk factors for bladder cancer include smoking, exposure to certain industrial chemicals, prior radiation therapy, chronic bladder inflammation, and certain hereditary genetic mutations. Symptoms may include blood in the urine (hematuria), frequent urination, pain in the urinary tract during urination, and lower back pain.
Early Detection and Diagnosis
Early detection of bladder cancer can significantly improve the chances of successful bladder cancer treatment. Therefore, individuals experiencing symptoms or those at high risk should seek medical evaluation promptly. Regular screening of the urinary tract may not be recommended for everyone, but it might be advised for those with high risk factors.
About Alternative Bladder Cancer Natural Treatment
Bladder cancer treatment options vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer and may include surgery (such as transurethral resection, cystectomy), intravesical therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. The prognosis and choice of treatment are heavily influenced by the stage and grade of the tumors and cancer cells, as well as the cancer patient’s overall health and preferences. However, many of these traditional cancer treatments come with various side effects that can leave cancer patients physically depleted with an already weakened immune system.
Alternative therapies and holistic cancer care treatments provide natural methods that aim to aid in recovery and lessen the potential adverse effects of conventional treatments.
At Immunity Therapy Center, we specialize in a variety of alternative and natural treatments for bladder cancer patients. Our approach is to develop a customized, cancer patient-focused treatment option, tailored to your individual health needs and the progression of your cancer. We see our patients not just as medical cases but as individuals, striving to foster a positive connection throughout the entire cancer treatment journey. For more cancer information or to arrange a consultation, please contact us.
Sources
Cancer Research UK. Types of bladder cancer. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bladder-cancer/types-stages-grades/types
NIH. Natural Products as New Approaches for Treating Bladder Cancer: From Traditional Medicine to Novel Drug Discovery. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10145408/
American Cancer Society. What Is Bladder Cancer? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/bladder-cancer/about/what-is-bladder-cancer.html
National Cancer Instiute. What Is Bladder Cancer? https://www.cancer.gov/types/bladder
Therapies we useAt Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.
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