Bladder:
The Bladder is an organ in the pelvis that stores urine
Bladder Cancer:
The Bladder is the organ that stores urine. Bladder Cancer usually presents with blood in the urine. Several tests are done to evaluate for bladder cancer including Cystoscopy (direct vision of the bladder with a camera) and CT scan. Urine tests can also be done to look for cancerous cells.
Bladder cancer is usually treated with removal of the cancerous tissue. In its early stages, this can usually be done through a camera, but advanced bladder cancer may require removal of the entire bladder. Depending on the type of bladder cancer, sometimes medicines are given inside the bladder. Radiation and chemotherapy are also options for certain types.
Urinary Tract Infections:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) can affect both sexes but are more common in women. Common symptoms include Burning with urination, urgency, and frequency. There may also be back pain, fever, blood in the urine, or confusion. Most cases can be cured with a course of antibiotics, but for complicated or recurrent cases, additional testing or preventative measures may be indicated.
Urinary Incontinence:
Urinary Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. There are several types of Urinary incontinence:
Urge Urinary Incontinence: This is when someone experiences a strong desire to urinate and experiences leakage of urine before they can reach a bathroom. This occurs due to strong bladder spasms that cause the bladder to contract at inappropriate times. This may also be associated with frequency of urination. Mild cases can usually be controlled with medicine to calm the bladder contractions. In severe cases, procedures may be needed including bladder nerve stimulators (Interstim) or injection of medicine in the ladder muscle (Botox).
Stress Urinary Incontinence: This is when someone experiences leakage of urine when external stress is placed on the bladder (Cough, sneeze, laugh, standing up, picking up something heavy, etc). This can happen in women due to weakening of pelvic muscles (especially after child delivery), but is also common in men who undergo surgery for prostate cancer. Mild cases can be managed with Pelvic exercises (Kegel Exercises), but advanced cases may require surgery.
Overflow Incontinence: This is when someone experiences leakage of urine that is the result over the bladder being too full of urine. This can be the result of blockage form the bladder (common in men with large prostate glands) or those with bladder dysfunction due to brain or spine injuries. Treatments are aimed at improving bladder emptying.
