When urinary symptoms indicate that there may be male urinary bladder cancer, a series of tests is normally done to diagnose the condition. These tests include blood tests, a urine test to check for cancerous cells, a scope (which is a camera used to look at the lining of the bladder) and an imaging test such as an MRI or CT scan. There may also be tests done of bones and organs near the bladder to insure that the cancer has not already spread.
Identification
Bladder cancer in males is the production of cancerous cells within the lining of the urinary bladder. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition can strike males of any age group but it is more common in older men. Because of its obvious symptoms, men suffering from bladder cancer tend to report symptoms early in the condition's development, which makes treatment more successful. Even with successful treatment, many men are required to undergo follow-up treatment to prevent the condition from recurring.
Effects
Many of the symptoms associated with male bladder cancer come from urination. The urine may be a bloody color in the urine, either be dark rust or bright red. There may be a dramatic increase in the frequency of urination, and severe pain involved with urination as well. Another symptom of male bladder cancer is the frequent urge to urinate that results in no urination at all.
Potential
Some of the symptoms of male bladder cancer are not confined to the bladder or to the act of urinating. Bladder cancer can create a loss of appetite and a noticeable weight loss. There can be flu-like symptoms such as a fever and nausea. Pain can originate from the bones, most commonly in the pelvic region. There may also be back pain accompanied by abdominal pain.
Considerations
Some of the factors that increase the risk of contracting male bladder cancer are things that are difficult to control, such as a family history of bladder cancer, or a rare birth defect of the bladder called adenocarcinoma. Other increased risk factors are within a person's control; they include smoking and exposure to dangerous chemicals.
Prevention/Solution
The preferred method of treatment for male bladder cancer is surgery. If the condition is still relatively early then a small portion of the bladder may need to be removed to stop the cancer from spreading. In more advanced cases surgery may include a complete removal of the bladder. To prevent the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body there may also be chemotherapy medication or radiation treatment as well.
Tags: bladder cancer, male bladder, male bladder cancer, bladder cancer, cancerous cells