põievähki

Põievähki, also known as bladder cancer, is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the bladder. The bladder is a muscular organ that stores urine. Most bladder cancers begin in the innermost lining of the bladder, called the urothelium.

The most common symptom of põievähki is blood in the urine, known as hematuria. This blood may be visible to the naked eye or detected only through microscopic examination. Other symptoms can include frequent urination, painful urination, and an urgent need to urinate, even when the bladder is not full. These symptoms can also be indicative of other, less serious conditions, so it is important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Risk factors for developing põievähki include smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, chronic bladder inflammation, and a history of radiation therapy to the pelvic area. Age is also a factor, as the risk increases with age, and men are more commonly diagnosed with bladder cancer than women.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, urine tests, and imaging techniques such as CT scans or ultrasounds. A cystoscopy, a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder, is often used to visualize the bladder lining and take biopsies for examination.

Treatment options depend on the stage and type of põievähki. Early-stage cancers may be treated with transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT), a procedure to remove the tumor through the urethra. For more advanced cancers, treatment may include immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery to remove part or all of the bladder. Regular follow-up care is essential to monitor for recurrence.