What are the conditions and problems a patient will go through if they are left with untreated bladder cancer ?
Untreated bladder cancer can lead to a range of serious complications and negative outcomes as the disease progresses. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing these potential complications. Here are some of the conditions and problems that a patient with untreated bladder cancer may experience:
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Disease Progression: Without treatment, bladder cancer can progress to more advanced stages, increasing the risk of invasion into deeper layers of the bladder wall or spreading to other parts of the body.
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Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: Left untreated, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) can evolve into muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), where cancer cells penetrate the muscle layer of the bladder wall. MIBC has a higher risk of spreading to nearby lymph nodes and other organs.
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Metastasis: Untreated bladder cancer can metastasize, meaning cancer cells can spread to distant sites in the body, such as the bones, lungs, liver, or lymph nodes.
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Pain and Discomfort: As the tumor grows and invades surrounding tissues, patients may experience pain, discomfort, or a feeling of fullness in the bladder area.
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Hematuria: Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is a common symptom of bladder cancer. Untreated, this symptom can persist and worsen, leading to ongoing blood loss and related complications.
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Urinary Tract Infections: Tumors can create areas where bacteria can grow, increasing the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections.
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Obstruction and Blockage: Tumors can obstruct the urinary flow, leading to difficulty in passing urine, urinary retention, and related complications.
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Kidney Damage: Advanced bladder cancer can affect kidney function and lead to kidney damage or kidney failure.
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Ureteral Obstruction: Cancer can block the ureters, tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder, causing hydronephrosis (enlargement of the kidneys) and affecting kidney function.
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Bone Pain: If bladder cancer spreads to the bones, it can cause bone pain and increase the risk of fractures.
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Weight Loss and Fatigue: As cancer progresses, patients may experience weight loss, fatigue, and general weakness.
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Diminished Quality of Life: The physical symptoms and emotional toll of untreated bladder cancer can significantly impact a patient's quality of life.
It's important to remember that the progression and severity of these complications can vary based on factors such as the stage and grade of the cancer, the individual's overall health, and other variables. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and regular follow-up care are essential for managing bladder cancer and preventing these potential complications. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms or has been diagnosed with bladder cancer, seeking medical attention and discussing treatment options with healthcare providers is crucial.