Bladder cancer pathophysiology
|
Bladder cancer Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Bladder cancer pathophysiology On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Bladder cancer pathophysiology |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Bladder cancer pathophysiology |
Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.
Overview
Pathophysiology
Genetics
Like virtually all cancers, bladder cancer development involves the acquisition of mutations in various oncogenes and tumor supressor genes. Genes which may be altered in bladder cancer include H19, FGFR3, HRAS, RB1 and TP53. Several genes have been identified which play a role in regulating the cycle of cell division, preventing cells from dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way. Alterations in these genes may help explain why some bladder cancers grow and spread more rapidly than others.
A family history of bladder cancer is also a risk factor for the disease. Many cancer experts assert that some people appear to inherit reduced ability to break down certain chemicals, which makes them more sensitive to the cancer-causing effects of tobacco smoke and certain industrial chemicals.