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When to Call the Doctor |
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Pain or burning during urination
Blood in the urine
Pain in the side or lower abdomen
Frequent urination
Slowing of urinary stream
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Overview
Definition
The bladder is a hollow muscular organ in the pelvis that stores and releases urine. The lining of the bladder consists of three to four layers of "transitional" cells, which expand and contract as the bladder fills and empties urine. Most cases of bladder cancer develop when transitional cells grow uncontrollably. The disorganized growth, at first, forms a benign outgrowth called a polyp. Eventually, some polyps go on to become bladder cancer.
There will be over 61,000 new cases of bladder cancer in 2006. The disease is about four times as common in men than women. Most people who have it are older than 40. Caucasians have it twice as often as African-Americans. Seventy-five percent of bladder cancers are discovered in their earliest stage, which means a good chance for cure. However, there will be about 13,060 deaths due to bladder cancer in 2006.
More on Bladder Cancer What Is Bladder Cancer?
Treating Bladder Cancer
How Is Bladder Cancer Diagnosed?
Getting a Second Opinion
Will My Cancer Come Back? Coping with the Fear of Recurrence
In the Encyclopedia:
Bladder cancer
Transurethral bladder resection
Cystectomy
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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