Bladder cancer is a malignant formation of the bladder wall. It is one of the most common types of cancer, which, due to anatomical features, is most often found in men.
Causes
Bladder cancer is often caused by harmful production factors. This pathology is frequently found in individuals who have been exposed to chemical reagents in the rubber, gas, and hardware industries for extended periods. Among those affected, about 90 percent are smokers. One of the causes of cancer may be cystitis. The presence of parasites in the urethra and bladder is also a common cause of the disease.
Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer shares symptoms with cystitis. These include the sensation of incomplete emptying, pain during urination and even at rest, and incontinence. As the disease progresses, blood may appear in the urine. This situation can occur without pain and without any other accompanying symptoms. Significant bleeding may also occur.
The progression of the disease can lead to kidney failure and hydronephrotic changes in the kidney due to poor urine flow.
The development of the disease is associated with invasion into nearby organs, which can lead to the formation of fistulas between the bladder and the intestine, the bladder and the vagina, and severe pain.
In cases of metastasis, lymphatic drainage from the lower extremities is disrupted. Swelling of the legs and scrotum may occur.
Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer in Israel
If there is a high suspicion of a bladder tumor, an ultrasound examination is mandatory. This allows for the assessment of the wall condition, tumor invasion, and involvement of nearby organs. The size and localization can be evaluated using endoscopic examination of the urethra and bladder under anesthesia. A biopsy of the bladder mucosa is also performed. In some cases, MRI and CT are conducted.
Treatment of Bladder Cancer in Israel
Treatment in Israel involves surgical intervention aimed at removing all visible tumor growths.
If the cancer has reached stage 2 or 3, a cystectomy with urinary diversion is performed – complete removal of the bladder with the creation of a reservoir from the wall of the rectum. This operation can be performed in several ways: by relocating the ureters to the rectal area or to the skin.
Recently, alternative methods of urinary diversion have become quite popular. One such method is the creation of an orthotopic bladder. The orthotopic reservoir is created from the intestine and connected to the urethra. After the operation, the patient learns to empty the bladder by relaxing the pelvic muscles and creating excess pressure in the abdominal cavity.
In Israel, surgeries are performed using the Da Vinci robot. This system consists of a control panel and an operating panel. Control is performed using special joysticks. A three-dimensional model of the organ is visible on the display during the operation. The operating panel contains mechanical arms and a camera mounted on a manipulator. The use of the robot in urology allows for high precision in manipulations.
Prevention
Quitting smoking, combating obesity, consuming fruits and vegetables, and timely and adequate treatment of infectious diseases of the urogenital system.