Interstitial Cystitis and Bladder Cancer

Interstitial cystitis is a medical condition also known as painful bladder syndrome. Symptoms of cystitis may include bladder pain, pressure on the bladder, frequent need to urinate, burning or painful sensation during urination and pelvic pain. It may seem that the symptoms of cystitis are similar to those of a urinary tract infection. However, a urine test will indicate the absence of a bacterial infection in the case of interstitial cystitis. Interstitial cystitis can affect men and women of all ages though it is a more common complaint among women. Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition marked by periods of remission when the symptoms reduce or disappear along with flare-ups during which symptoms are acute and affect the quality of a person’s life. Common triggers for a flare up of symptoms include stress, sitting for long periods of time, menstruation, sexual intercourse and intense exercise.

To understand the cause of cystitis, one must understand how the bladder operates. When the bladder is full, it signals to the brain that its time to empty itself by urinating. In people with cystitis, these signals to and from the pelvic nerves and the brain get mixed up and the need to urinate is felt more often. Another possible cause of cystitis is a leak in the lining of the bladder that may cause an irritation and increase the need to urinate. Risk factors associated with cystitis include:

Heredity
Urinary tract infections
Allergy
Old age
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Due to the chronic nature of cystitis, there are a variety of complications that may arise such as reduced bladder capacity, emotional stress, poor personal and social relationships, depression and anxiety. There is no direct link between interstitial cystitis and bladder cancer but doctors recommend regular check ups and tests to ensure that the symptoms do not escalate into a more serious medical condition.

There is no treatment to completely cure cystitis of the bladder though there are a number of medications and natural remedies that can provide relief from symptoms such as pain and pressure. Oral medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, antidepressants, and antihistamines can help treat certain symptoms of cystitis. Other treatment alternatives include

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) to reduce pelvic pain and pressure, bladder distension, or surgery. Some patients also find relief with dietary and lifestyle changes. Some simple self-care methods involve wearing loose cotton clothes, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and foods such as chocolate, cured meats, nuts, and fermented foods that may cause an irritation in the bladder.

References:

http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/000477all.htm#ixzz2GEmYVbEh

answered by G M

Cystitis is in "inflammation" of the bladder. If the underlying cause of the cystitis is cancer, then the progression will be bladder cancer. However, there are many other potential causes for cystitis food sensitivities, exposures, structural abnormalities, immune system weakness etc.

answered by Dr K B N

Can cystitis turn into bladder cancer