INTRODUCTION

Cancer of the bladder is the fourth most common cancer among men and the ninth most common cancer among women. About 38,000 men and 13,000 women will develop the disease each year. Cancer of the bladder may occur at any age, but it usually strikes those over 50 years old.

If detected and treated early, bladder cancer is almost always cured (the 5-year survival rate of early bladder cancer is 90%). Unfortunately, less than one in ten patients with metastatic bladder cancer survive five or more years (metastatic means the cancer has spread to other areas such as lymph nodes, bones, lung, etc). Each year about 6,000 men and 3,000 women will die of the disease. During the past 30 years, the death rate for bladder cancer has declined slightly for men, more so for women. This success is attributed to earlier detection and better treatment options.

WHAT THE BLADDER DOES

The bladder is a muscular sac that collects and stores urine. It is hollow and its shape depends on how much urine it holds. When it is empty it looks like a deflated balloon. As it fills, it becomes rounded and pushes up against the abdomen.

The bladder is lined by special cells, called transitional cells. These cells are unique in that they have the ability to expand and deflate, which makes sense as the bladder fills and empties of urine. Almost all bladder cancers arise in this lining layer. These cancers in time can grow and spread into the underlying bladder muscle. Cancers originating in the bladder muscle are very rare.

Urine is made up of water and wastes removed from the blood. Urine is created by filtering the blood in the kidneys. The urine then travels down tubes known as ureters and is stored in the bladder until it can be released from the body through another tube, the urethra.

WHAT IS CANCER?

Cancer is a disease caused by the abnormal growth of cells. Cancer can occur in any part of the body. Normally the cells that make up the different parts of the body divide and reproduce in an orderly manner, so that we can grow, replace worn-out body tissue, and repair injuries. Sometimes, however, cells get out of control, divide more than they should, and form masses known as tumors.

Some tumors may interfere with body functions and need to be removed, but do not spread to other parts of the body. These are known as benign tumors.

Malignant, or cancerous tumors, not only invade, destroy or replace normal body tissue, but individual cancerous cells break away from the original tumor and spread through the blood stream and lymph channels (lymph nodes) to other parts of the body. There they may form additional malignant tumors. This process is known as metastacizing and the new tumors are called metastases. Only a pathologist can make a diagnosis of cancer by looking at biopsy specimens of the tumor. In addition to telling whether or not a tumor is cancerous or benign, the pathologist may also be able to tell the treating physician how aggressive or rapidly growing a cancer might be. The aggressiveness of a tumor is called "grade". High grade cancers grow faster and spread to other areas more quickly and earlier. Low grade cancers grow slower and spread later.

If bladder cancer spreads, it usually goes first to the lymph nodes in the pelvis. Bladder cancer also tends to spread to the lungs, liver, and bones.

TYPES OF BLADDER CANCER

Bladder cancers must be classified in three different ways - Type, Grade and Stage. Knowing the cell type, grade and stage of bladder cancer is essential in planning the right treatment.

Type

Bladder cancers are classified according to the type of cell that has become cancerous. About 90% of cancers of the bladder involve transitional cells. Transitional cells are merely the name of the usual cell that lines the bladder wall. Transitional cells are unique to the urinary tract and line the kidneys and ureters as well. Other types of cells that are found less frequently in bladder cancer include squamous cell cancers or adenocarcinomas. Transitional-cell cancers of the bladder can be further divided into 'papillary', 'solid' tumors and 'carcinoma-in-situ' (CIS).

Papillary, which means 'finger-like', are usually low grade. This means that they grow slowly. Papillary tumors also usually grow towards the inside of the bladder, not towards the muscle lining. Sometimes, particularly if untreated, papillary tumors will invade into the bladder muscle and then spread into the body. Papillary tumors occur more than twice as often as solid tumors. There may be one papillary tumor or several. Patients with tumors in multiple areas are more likely to have the cancer come back, or recur, after treatment. In general, papillary cancers of the bladder have a recurrence rate of up to 70%, meaning that even if all the cancer is removed, new cancers will develop in other parts of the bladder in 7 of 10 patients at a later time. These recurrences can occur at any time, but usually within two years.

Solid tumors are rarer but tend to be more aggressive, recur more often, and have a tendency to invade deeply into the bladder wall at an earlier stage.

Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is a unique situation. CIS is a very aggressive looking cancer, but involves only the inner lining of the bladder. It may occur diffusely throughout the bladder or in small areas. CIS does not look like a tumor, but more a flat red area on the bladder wall. It is often associated with symptoms similar to a bladder infection, pain and or burning with urination and urinary frequency. CIS is associated with a high rate (more than 50%) of developing invasive, usually solid, bladder cancers within 5 years if not treated.

Grade

The GRADE is defined by the pathologist from the bladder biopsy. The grade gives us an idea of how fast the cancer might be growing or how aggressive it might be. High grade cancers grow faster and spread earlier than low grade cancers. The current system of grading uses only three different grades: well-differentiated, moderately differentiated, and poorly differentiated (or Grade I, II or III). It is still used in general discusions about cancer. Some pathologists will use a 4-level grading system, I, II, III and IV. Either system is acceptable, and the pathologist will always note how many levels they use by declaring the cancer as a II/III or II/IV. The denominator or second number states what system they use.

Well-differentiated means the cancer has more resemblence to normal bladder tissue and therefore usually does not grow or spread quickly. Poorly differentiated tumors do not resemble normal bladder and usually grow quickly and spread to other tissues earlier. Moderately differentiated are in the middle.

Grade, while important, has less bearing on the treatment decisions than does the Stage.

Stage

Stage is defined as the estimation of extent (size and location) of the cancer at the current time. More specifically, how extensive is the cancer within the bladder and if it has spread to tissues around the bladder, or to other parts of the body. Patients with early cancer have low stage disease. Patients with extensive cancer have high stage disease.

Depth of invasion: the bladder wall has four layers. The innermost lining of the bladder or 'epithelium' made up of transitional cells - this is where the tumor starts. Underneath the epithelium is a special layer called 'lamina propria'. Then comes the muscle layer of the bladder. The outermost layer is called the serosa and is comprised mostly of fat. The deeper the invasion the more likely a tumor will recur and a later time and also spread to other organs - a situation called 'metastases'.

In some patients suspicion of spread of the cancer may exist. This situation occurs primarily in patients with higher grade cancers that have invaded deeply into the bladder, particularly the bladder muscles. In those patients we may elect to do 'staging studies' looking for spread of the cancer. The studies vary from patient to patient depending on various factors. The usual initial staging studies include the pathology report from the initial biopsy, the general physical examination and digital rectal examination, and, often, a CT scan of the pelvic area. On occasion, a CAT scan (computerized axial tomography) of the upper abdomen or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) will be done of the pelvic and abdominal areas, and a chest X-ray. Special scans, such as bone scans, may also be suggested. The stage of the cancer is the most important deciding factor in which treatment will be used.

WHO IS AT RISK OF DEVELOPING BLADDER CANCER?

Smokers are three times as likely to develop bladder cancer as nonsmokers. 3 of every 5 cases of bladder cancecr is linked to smoking. This link between smoking and bladder cancer is especially strong among men.

Bladder cancer is more common in highly industrialized areas and among workers exposed to certain chemicals. Certain aniline derivatives, benzidine, 2-napthylamine, and other chemicals used in dye manufacturing increase the risk to workers involved in the process. Painters and workers in the rubber, metal, textile, and leather industries are also at high risk.

The artificial sweeteners saccharin and cyclamates have been shown to cause bladder cancer in animals when given in very large doses. The link between these sweeteners and bladder cancer in humans has not been shown.

In the Middle East and Africa, certain parasitic worm infections have been linked with bladder cancer.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Blood in the urine is usually the first sign of bladder cancer. Many times, blood in the urine cannot be noticed by the individual, but is found by urinalysis done as part of a regular checkup or treatment for another medical condition. If blood can be seen in the urine, it may change the color of the urine from yellow to smoky to rusty to bright red. The blood may disappear for days or even weeks, only to reappear. Blood in the urine can be caused by a number of medical problems besides cancer. These include infection, benign tumors, kidney stones and a number of kidney diseases. If blood is noticed, a doctor should be consulted to determine its cause.

Early stage bladder cancer does not usually cause pain, but pain may sometimes occur along with the bleeding. The need to urinate may seem more urgent and frequent. Signs of late stage bladder cancer may include all of the above plus possible bowel problems, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Pain may be felt in the lower back and in the bones.

HOW THE DIAGNOSIS IS MADE

The diagnosis of bladder cancer begins with a complete medical history. The doctor will ask questions about the patient's overall health and bladder cancer risk factors, such as smoking and exposure to certain industrial chemicals.

To determine if cancer is present, some or all of the following tests may be done:

URINALYSIS is the analysis of the physical and chemical properties of a sample of urine. As part of the diagnostic workup for bladder cancer, it can reveal blood in the urine in amounts too small to be noticed by the patient, or can confirm that blood is still in the urine.

INTRAVENOUS PYELOGRAM (IVP) AND/OR CT SCAN can help determine the source of the bleeding. A small amount of special X-ray dye is injected into the bloodstream. This dye is quickly absorbed by the kidneys. X-rays are then taken to track the dye as it makes its way through the urinary system. The images displayed on the X-rays can locate tumors and other sources of bleeding.

CYSTOSCOPY permits the doctor to actually look inside the bladder. A small slender tube, the cystoscope, is inserted into the bladder through the urethra, the final portion of the urinary system. The cystoscope is fitted with a lens and a light which allows the doctor to carefully examine the inner surface of the bladder and look for any abnormal areas. This is usually done in the doctor's office using a local anesthetic (a jelly like substance with anesthetic in it). The procedure takes only a few minutes to perform.

RESECTION AND BIOPSY is the removal and examination under a microscope of suspicious looking areas from the bladder. The cells are removed through the cystoscope or telescope. These procedures are usually performed in the hospital with an anesthetic. Since bladder cancer may be present in more than one area of the bladder, several samples of bladder--from both normal and abnormal looking areas--will be removed for examination. Only a biopsy can tell for sure whether cancer is present. The biospies from areas that do not have cancer ( called 'random biopsies') will often give valuable information about the long-term chances of cancer recurrence.

BTA TEST and NMP-22 are new urine tests that are able to indicate in many cases the presence of bladder cancer cells. The tests are done on a voided urine specimen and can be done quickly in the doctor's office or laboratory. BTA and NMP-22 are able to detect unique proteins (or antigens) that many bladder cancers produce.

CYTOLOGY is the study of individual cells. The inside of the bladder is irrigated with a salt-water solution. The cells suspended in the solution are examined for any abnormalities. PAP smear is an example of cytology when we look at scrapings from the female cervix.

BIMANUAL ABDOMINAL AND RECTAL EXAMINATION lets the doctor feel for any hard areas in part of the bladder. The doctor inserts a gloved finger into the vagina or rectum and then presses down gently on the abdomen. A hardened spot that can be felt may be a sign of a tumor.

TREATING THE DISEASE

Surgery, alone or combined with other therapies, is used to treat more than 90% of bladder cancer patients. Radiation and chemotherapy can increase the chances for a cure, help control metastatic disease, and prevent the disease from recurring, but are usually not used as the main or only treatment.

SURGERY

SURGERY FOR EARLY OR SUPERFICIAL BLADDER CANCER

Most early bladder cancers are biopsied and removed through an endoscope, a thin telescopic tube inserted into the urethra and then into the bladder. This is usually referred to as 'transurethral resection'. This type of removal is effective for those cancers, usually the papillary type, which have NOT invaded into the bladder muscle. An electric cutting knife 'or loop' attached to the endoscope is used to remove the tumors. In some instances, lasers, or very intense light beams, are being used to destroy bladder tumors. Several tumors may be removed during a single operation and the procedure can be repeated as often as necessary. An anesthetic, such as general anesthesia or spinal, is necessary for any transurethral resection.

CHEMOTHERAPY

INTRAVESICAL CHEMOTHERAPY

(Intra = into, vesical = bladder, chemo = chemical)

Intravesical chemotherapy refers to chemical treatments that are instilled into the bladder through the urethra using a catheter or rubber tube. These procedures are usually done in the office and require only 5 minutes to perform. The tube is removed immediately, but the medications must be kept in the bladder for about two hours.

Most commonly, intravesical chemotherapy is used for patients whose tumors have been completely removed but who are at high risk of having recurrences or new tumors develop at a later time. On occasion, intravesical chemotherapy is used to treat multiple bladder tumors that could not be completely removed by surgery.

Chemotherapy given directly into the bladder does not usually cause side effects like chemotherapy taken orally or injected into the body. Because the therapy is limited to the bladder most of the side-effects are the irritative effects on the bladder, such as frequency, urgency and burning with urination. Most of these effects dissipate after the treatments are discontinued. The frequency and duration of treatments vary with different medications. Currently used drugs include names such as BCG, Thio-Tepa, Mitomycin-C, Adriamycin. Another drug, Valstar, is indicated only for patients who do not respond to BCG. Newer and investigational intravesical agents include alpha-interferon and keyhole-limpet hemacyanin. Each has unique properties and side effects which will be discussed by your urologist before use. Combinations of BCG and interferon are particularly interesting and effective. The only orally taken medication for prevention of bladder cancer, and still experimental, is bropirimine. Bropirimine does have some activity against known tumors of the upper urinary tract and is being studied alone and in addition to other intravesical agents such as BCG.

CHEMOPREVENTION FOR EARLY BLADDER CANCER

In patients with early bladder cancer (not invading muscle), some reports have suggested that megadoses of Vitamins A, B6, C and E and Zinc can be helpful in reducing recurrences. These reports are early and have not been substantiated in multi-center trials as of yet. The doses used included Vitamin A -- 40,000 units, B6 -- 100mg, C -- 2,000 mg, E -- 400 units and Zinc 90mg. These are taken in divided doses twice a day. For the most part, these doses are safe, although Vitamin A in higher doses can cause liver problems and some patients have stomach upset with any vitamin preparation. Until we have more experience, vitamin supplementation to other treatment must be regarded as experimental.
Other experimental agents being tested to prevent bladder cancer recurrence are fenretinide, a Vitamin A like drug, celecoxib, and difluoromethylornithine. No data is expected to be available about these drugs for many years.

SUPPORT FOR THE PATIENT

Providing the best care for the patient means not only treating the cancer, but easing the side effects and all the physical and emotional strains. This calls for a teamwork approach among the surgeon, the doctors who will plan radiation and chemotherapy, the pharmacists, nurses, social workers, and other health care workers.

Dietitians can help patients make any needed dietary changes so that their nutritional needs are met during and after treatment. Nurses often provide emotional support and teach the patient and other members of the family "do's and don'ts" of home health care. Patients whose bladders had to be removed and who pass urine through a stoma can get help and advice on cleaning and taking care of the stoma from a stoma therapist.

Psychological counseling can help patients and family members to cope with the disease and its effects on their lives. Patients and family members may find it helpful to join a group offering emotional support and advice on coping with bladder cancer.

American Cancer Society programs that offer support to cancer patients include Can Surmount and I Can Cope. In addition, the American Cancer Society's Cancer Response System, a free telephone information service, can refer patients to other local resources. Patients and family members should stay actively involved in choosing the right treatment. They have a right to know everything about the treatment and should ask questions.

FOLLOW-UP CARE

Follow-up depends on the stage and type of disease that is being treated.

For patients with superficial bladder cancers that are removed with telescopic surgery, urinalysis and cystoscopy should be done on a regular basis. Usually every three to four months for the first year and then less often, but at least once a year. Based on the results of cystoscopy and BTA testing or cytology, further tests may be ordered.

EXPECTED SURVIVAL TIMES

The outlook for patients for early-stage bladder cancer that has not invaded the bladder wall is very good. About 90% of those patients live for five or more years with localized diagnosis and treatment.

WILL MY DISEASE RETURN AFTER BEING TREATED?

Each patient and each cancer is different and acts differently. An individual's treatment may vary depending on associated conditions. In general the following predictors are used:

Practical Classification of Superficial Bladder Cancer

Characteristics of bladder tumors

Favorable

Single tumor

Stage Ta

Low grade

Negative cytology

Unfavorable

Multiple tumor

Stage T1

High grade

Atypia or dysplastic

Positive cytology

Characteristics of recurrence chances

Lowest chance of recurrence

Favorable characteristics, single occurrence, or infrequent recurrences

Medium chance of recurrence

Favorable characteristics but frequent recurrences

Highest chance of recurrence

Unfavorable characteristics, any occurrences, or recurrences

HOW TO HELP GUARD AGAINST BLADDER CANCER

*Don't smoke. If you do, make plans to quit right away. If you need help in quitting, call the American Cancer Society.

*As part of your overall defense against cancer, have regular medical checkups.

*If you notice blood in your urine, or any other change in bladder habits, see your doctor.