Cancer of the bladder is seen mostly in older individuals over the age of 55. Men are more likely to have this cancer than women. In most cases, blood in the urine is a warning sign. However, blood in the urine does not mean you have cancer. Other noncancerous conditions can be the cause such as infection or a kidney stone.
Diagnosis is made by cystoscopy which is a procedure where the doctor looks into the bladder with a thin lighted tube. If he sees a suspicious area, he takes a small tissue sample which is called a biopsy. This is then examined under a microscope to determine if cancer is present. If cancer is found, further tests are done such as an MRI to determine if there is any evidence of spread of the cancer beyond the bladder.
Treatment may consist of surgery to remove the cancer followed by chemotherapy or irradiation. It depends on how far the cancer has advanced.
If one applies for social security disability because of this problem, then all your doctor’s hospital records and treatment must be submitted. Simply having undergone treatment for this condition does not necessarily mean you will be be granted benefits. Certain criteria must be met which will greatly improve your chances. These criteria are: 1. recurrence of cancer after total removal of the bladder. 2. If the cancer is found to be inoperable or cannot be removed by surgery. 3. If the cancer infiltrates(extends) beyond the bladder wall. 4. Evidence of spread(metastases) to or beyond lymph nodes.