January 02, 2025 08:58 PM IST
Untreated bladder stones can lead to cancer. Here’s what you need to know.
A bladder stone, also called a bladder stone, is a hard mass of minerals that accumulates in the bladder. This happens when urine is stored in the bladder for a long time, causing crystallization of chemicals in the urine. But can it cause bladder cancer? Read this also Natural ways to balance urine pH and prevent infections: Urologist shares tips
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rajesh Kumar Reddy Addapala, Department of Uro-Oncology and Robotics, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology Hyderabad, said, “Urinary bladder stones increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. The irregular shape of bladder stones causes significant irritation and swelling in the bladder.
How does bladder cancer occur?
Dr. Rajesh Kumar Reddy Adapala said, “Persistent and chronic irritation causes certain changes in the urothelium, the inner layer of the bladder. The initial change is squamous metaplasia and if the irritation continues for years, mutational changes can occur at the cellular level and will turn into cancer. Read this also 5 Early Warning Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer You Must Know
Untreated bladder stones can lead to squamous cell carcinoma:
“The most common cancer that occurs in patients with untreated bladder stones is squamous cell carcinoma. This pathological variant is quite different from commonly occurring urothelial bladder cancer. Squamous cell bladder cancer is quite aggressive in nature, grows rapidly and spreads to other parts of the body very rapidly if not treated on time. And it reacts very poorly to cancer medicine. The only viable treatment option is to surgically remove the bladder completely and divert urine. Surgery can only be performed in patients with localized cancer. Advanced cancer cannot be cured, only palliative treatment can be provided,” said the doctor. Read this also Bladder Cancer: Risk Factors, Ways to Manage It
Dr. Rajesh Kumar Reddy Adapala further said, “Anyone who is diagnosed with a bladder stone should have it removed as soon as possible before it is too late to avoid cancer. Small bladder stones can be easily fragmented using endoscopic instruments. Larger stones may require open surgery.” Also Read | Why one type of chemotherapy works best in bladder cancer: Study shows
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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