While it is extremely rare, it’s possible for children to develop bladder cancer. According to some estimates, around 0.1% to 0.4% of all bladder cancer cases occur during the first two decades of life.
Bladder cancer in children typically has an excellent prognosis, as the majority of cases are low grade, with recurrence rates of just 2.6% to 13%. Nonetheless, early detection and careful monitoring are essential.
What causes childhood bladder cancer?
Currently, the exact cause of bladder cancer is unknown, but children exposed to certain factors may be at higher risk of developing bladder cancer.
For example, children who previously received alkylating agents to treat other cancers are more likely to develop bladder cancer. Examples of alkylating agents include:
- Cyclophosphamide.
- Ifosfamide.
- Busulfan.
- Temozolomide.
In addition, children who previously had heritable retinoblastoma (a type of eye cancer) are at increased risk of getting bladder cancer. However, children who have these risk factors won’t necessarily develop bladder cancer, and children without any of these risk factors can still develop the disease.
Read more about bladder cancer causes and risk factors
How bladder cancer presents in children
Urothelial carcinoma, also known as transitional cell carcinoma, is the most common type of bladder cancer in children. This form of cancer occurs in the cells that line the bladder, urethra and other organs. These cells are called transitional cells because of their flexibility — they can stretch and even change shape depending on how full the bladder is.
Symptoms to be aware of
The earliest and most common symptom of childhood bladder cancer is blood in the urine, which may be painless. The urine might appear red, pink or dark-colored. However, changes in urine color don’t always mean there is blood in the urine. Sometimes, medications or food can cause the urine to change color, as well.
Children may also experience pain in the abdomen and lower back, along with pain during urination. Frequent or urgent urination can also occur. Again, these symptoms are not specific to cancer and could signal a number of conditions, such as:
- Urinary tract infections.
- Kidney stones.
- Bladder stones.
- Other problems with the kidney or bladder.
Treating childhood bladder cancer
Because most cases of childhood bladder cancer are low grade, they can often be treated successfully with transurethral tumor resection. However, treatment depends on the exact type and stage of bladder cancer.
If the cancer is more aggressive, your child may need to undergo a cystectomy to remove part or all of the bladder. However, this is very uncommon.
After treatment, monitoring may consist of cystoscopy to look at the bladder and urine tests to check for cancer cells. You will work with your child’s care team to develop a follow-up plan that best suits your individual needs.
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