| |
When to Call the Doctor |
| |
Pain or burning during urination
Blood in the urine
Pain in the side or lower abdomen
Frequent urination
Slowing of urinary stream
|
|
|
Causes
Bladder cancer develops when a bladder cell's genes fail to regulate cell growth and reproduction. Genes are sequences of DNA, the molecule that controls all of the life processes within every cell in the body. Mutations of DNA are alterations that can be inherited or acquired as a result of damage during life. Scientists believe that the damaged DNA of bladder cells leads to slow or inefficient processing of toxins.
People with these mutations who are exposed to toxic chemicals in certain industries, such as paint or dye manufacturing, are more susceptible to bladder cancer than others.
Smokers also have an increased risk of developing bladder cancer due to the toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke that accumulate in the bladder.
More on Bladder Cancer Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer
In the Encyclopedia:
Bladder cancer
Transurethral bladder resection
Cystectomy
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
|
|
|
