Etiology, Epidemiology and Histopathology of Bladder Cancer: A Review

Abstract

Bladder cancer is mostly urothelial carcinoma and remains one of the large health burdens globally; its etiology is very complex and results from interplay of various genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. It makes the diagnosis and management of bladder cancer very challenging due to its heterogeneity and sometimes complex histopathology. Recent advancements in molecular biology have so far revealed extremely pertinent aspects concerning the histopathology of bladder cancer that would necessitate a shift in emphasis within existing classification paradigms. The drawing-up of molecular insights into histopathological evaluations tallies with enhanced classification systems that ought to lead the same further into personalized treatment approaches. Research in this direction will not only bridge the existing lacunae but also pave the way for better management strategies for patients with bladder cancer. This literature review will try to put together what has been found in current studies about why bladder cancer happens, point out where there is not enough information, and recommend ways to look further into this. At the same time, it brings together new results on the histopathology of bladder cancer, stressing its molecular foundations, histological types, and the relationship between molecular aspects and histopathological assessment. it also brings together recent findings on bladder cancer epidemiology, noting risk factors, regional variations, and consequences for public health intervention.