How to Prevent Bladder Polyps
A bladder polyp, a growth that forms in the bladder lining, may be cancerous or benign. According to Dr. Robert Shmerling at the Harvard Medical School, the cause of most types of bladder polyps is unknown; but industrial chemical exposure and cigarette smoking are considered risks, so avoidance of these could be considered a prevention technique. There is no known way to proactively prevent bladder growths from occurring, but Dr. Shmerling indicates that early detection and treatment is the most effective way of preventing polyps from becoming a serious health problem.
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Instructions
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Avoid cigarette smoke and exposure to industrial chemicals.
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When visiting developing nations such as those in South America, the Caribbean and Africa, be mindful of schistosomiasis. According to Dr. Shmerling, schistosomiasis is an infection caused by parasites that lay eggs in the bladder wall, which can cause polyps to develop and also elevate the risk of developing cancer in the bladder.
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If you suspect a bladder polyp, which can cause symptoms such as frequent urination, pain during urination or blood in the urine, schedule an appointment with a urologist to have a cystoscopy. A small device is inserted into the bladder through the urethra, allowing the doctor to search for polyps and extract a sample that can be used for a biopsy.
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If a bladder polyp is found, the urologist will likely suggest surgical removal.
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Tips & Warnings
If you see even trace amounts of blood in your urine or if feel any amount of pain during urination, consult a urologist. The earlier a polyp is detected, the easier the treatment will be. While the Mayo Clinic and Harvard do not suggest annual testing for the presence of polyps, they strongly recommend immediate testing if symptoms are detected.
While a polyp may be benign and not cause any serious health issues, it is best to have it removed just in case. A benign polyp left untreated can continue to grow, which can lead to symptoms like frequent or painful urination or blood in the urine. A cancerous polyp should be removed immediately to prevent spreading. If a cancerous polyp has already spread, treatment options include immunotherapy, radiation and chemotherapy, according to the Mayo Clinic. If the cancer has spread throughout the bladder, reconstruction of the organ may be necessary.
