Bladder cancer due to asbestos exposure results in over 10k people diagnosed yearly
The link between occupational asbestos exposure and urinary bladder cancer is supported by reliable medical evidence, including our own internal research and many medical studies.
The body flushes out asbestos fibers primarily through the urinary system, as well as other carcinogenic agents, which facilitates the development of malignant tumors inside the bladder, resulting in bladder cancer. In order for us to take your case, you will need an additional diagnosis that shows lung scarring, fluid or other damage.
There are multiple ways in which asbestos fibers can reach the urinary bladder. Some ingested fibers can remain inside the bladder after urine expulsion or enter it by traveling through the circulatory system.
Asbestos fibers which were inhaled can also reach the bladder, as well as the kidneys, by infiltrating the bloodstream. Over the years, the toxic particles will cause inflammation and tissue scarring, which may, in turn, lead to the onset of urinary bladder cancer.
The causes of bladder cancer vary greatly, from acquired or inherited gene mutations to lifestyle choices such as tobacco smoking. However, it has recently been discovered that asbestos exposure also represents a risk factor for bladder cancer and many other urinary problems as well. Because asbestos fibers – being microscopic and often needle-like – can travel through the body, they can easily reach the urinary system as well, where they might get stuck and gradually lead to inflammation and tissue scarring. These symptoms could, over time, give way to a malignant tumor inside or outside the bladder.
It is worthy of note that people who already suffer from a disease caused by asbestos exposure, such as pulmonary issues, lung cancer or mesothelioma, are at higher risk of developing bladder cancer, as well as other secondary asbestos-related illnesses, as asbestos fibers are more likely to reach the bladder. There are three main types of bladder cancer: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and urothelial carninoma. It is vital to closely monitor your health if you have a history of occupational asbestos exposure or a related diagnosis.
Common bladder cancer symptoms and urinary problems after asbestos exposure
These are the main symptoms of bladder cancer, which can lead to early diagnosis and treatment:
- blood in your urine
- feeling the need to urinate more frequently
- a burning sensation while urinating
- inability to urinate
- urinating a very small amount
- changes in the color of your urine
- pelvic pain
- a foul smell
- pressure in the lower back
- swollen feet
- bone pain
- loss of appetite
Moreover, if you were exposed to other chemicals in the workplace for a long period of time, your chances of developing bladder cancer also increase. Therefore, a combination of asbestos exposure or the existence of asbestos fibers in the body and the inhalation or ingestion of other toxic substances is substantially more dangerous as it increases your chances to develop bladder cancer sooner.
Bladder cancer misdiagnosis and asbestos exposure work history
When it comes to misdiagnosis, bladder cancer is no exception. As numerous other malignant cancers, it is often mistaken for less severe conditions, such as urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis, bladder papilloma, passing a kidney or bladder stone, overactive bladder, renal cell carcinoma or, in the case of men, the enlargement of their prostate or prostate cancer.
If you receive any of these diagnoses and have a history of occupational asbestos exposure, it is crucial that you seek a second medical diagnosis and have a medical specialist examines your lungs as well, as your condition might unfortunately not be what it seems. We strongly recommend going to at least two medical experts when asbestos exposure is involved, as these diseases are often very challenging to correctly diagnose, even for the most experienced doctors. For us to be able to take your case we need an additional diagnosis like lung scarring, fluid or tumor, which are always present due to workplace asbestos exposure.
