All about bladder cancer that killed actor Vinod Khanna

Bladder cancer that reportedly killed veteran actor Vinod Khanna most often begins in the cells that line the inside of the bladder. The condition typically affects older adults and is rarely seen in people below 40 years of age.

Veteran actor Vinod Khanna died at 70. He was reportedly suffering from advanced stage bladder cancer. HT tells its readers everything that is there to know about the condition.

*What is bladder cancer

A type of cancer that begins in your bladder — a balloon-shaped organ in your pelvic area that stores urine. It typically affects older adults, though it can occur at any age.

*Warning signs

Blood in urine— urine may appear bright red or cola colored; frequent urination; painful urination; unexplained pain in back or pelvis area

*Causes

Though there is no definitive cause, this type of cancer is linked to smoking, parasitic infection, chemical exposure, radiation (of any kind)

*Risk factors

Smoking: When you smoke, your body processes the chemicals in the smoke and excretes some of them in your urine. These harmful chemicals may damage the lining of your bladder, increasing your risk of cancer

Increasing age: The risk increases as one ages. Bladder cancer can occur at any age, but it’s rarely found in people younger than 40.

Race: Whites are at a greater risk

Gender: Men are more likely at risk than women are

Exposure to certain chemicals: Kidneys play a key role in filtering harmful chemicals from the bloodstream and moving them into the bladder. Certain chemicals such as arsenic or those used in the manufacture of dyes, rubber, leather, textiles and paint products may increase the risk

Previous cancer treatment: People having received radiation aimed at the pelvis for a previous cancer run an increased risk

Chronic bladder inflammation: Chronic or repeated urinary infections or inflammations (cystitis) tend to increase the risk

Family history: If you’ve had bladder cancer, you’re more likely to get it again. If one or more of your immediate relatives have a history of bladder cancer, you may have an increased risk of the disease

*Diagnosis

CT scan; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); bone scan; chest X-ray

*Cancer stages

Stage I. Cancer in bladder’s inner lining but hasn’t invaded the muscular bladder wall

Stage II. Cancer has invaded the bladder wall but is still confined to the bladder

Stage III. Cancer cells spread through the bladder wall to surrounding tissue

Stage IV. Cancer cells spread to the lymph nodes and other organs, such as your bones, liver or lungs

*Treatment

Surgery; chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy