Bladder cancer
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Bladder_cancer_(papillary_tumor).jpg
Bladder cancer refers to any of several types of malignant growths of the urinary bladder. The image to the right shows a papillary cell tumor, the most common type of bladder cancer.
Papillary transitional cell carcinoma is a cancer of the transitional epithelial cells of the bladder.
The greatest risk factor for bladder cancer is a genetic predisposition; it is also associated with smoking and occupational exposure to aniline-based dyes (such as in textile factories), as well as with petrol and other chemicals.
The treatment of bladder cancer depends on how deep the tumor invades into the bladder wall. Superficial tumors (those not entering the muscle layer) can be "shaved off" using an electrocautery device. Tumors which infiltrate the bladder require more radical surgery where part or all of the bladder is removed and the urinary stream is diverted. Radiation can also be used to treat this disease.