A urinary bladder stone, commonly known as a bladder calculus, is a solid mass formed from mineral deposits that develop within the bladder. This condition arises when urine remains in the bladder for an extended period, resulting in the crystallization of its chemical components. A pertinent question is whether this condition can lead to bladder cancer.

In a discussion with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Reddy Adapala from the Department of Uro-oncology & Robotics at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology in Hyderabad stated, “The presence of urinary bladder stones does elevate the risk of bladder cancer. The irregular shape of the bladder stone can cause considerable irritation and inflammation of the bladder lining.”

How urinary bladder leads to cancer?

How does the urinary bladder contribute to cancer development? Dr. Adapala elaborated, “Persistent and chronic irritation can induce changes in the urothelium, the inner lining of the bladder. The initial alteration is squamous metaplasia, and if the irritation persists over many years, it may lead to mutational changes at the cellular level, ultimately resulting in cancer.”

Untreated bladder stone can lead to squamous cell carcinoma:

If left untreated, urinary bladder stones can indeed lead to cancer. Specifically, untreated bladder stones may result in squamous cell carcinoma. “The most prevalent cancer associated with untreated bladder stones is squamous cell carcinoma. This variant is significantly different from the more commonly occurring urothelial bladder cancer. Squamous cell bladder cancer is notably aggressive, tends to progress rapidly, and can metastasize to other body parts swiftly if not addressed promptly. Furthermore, it shows poor responsiveness to conventional cancer treatments. The only viable treatment option is complete surgical removal of the bladder along with urinary diversion, which is applicable only to patients with localized cancer. In cases of advanced cancer, a cure is not possible, and only palliative care can be offered,” the doctor explained.

Dr. Rajesh Kumar Reddy Adapala emphasized the importance of timely intervention for individuals diagnosed with bladder stones, stating, "It is crucial to have them removed promptly to prevent the risk of cancer development. Smaller bladder stones can be effectively fragmented using endoscopic techniques, while larger stones may necessitate open surgical procedures."

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