Bladder Cancer

Treatment

Treatment for bladder cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the type of cancer, and the patient's age and overall health. It generally begins within a few weeks after the diagnosis. The treatment options for bladder cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and biological therapy. Sometimes  a combination of these therapies are used.

Surgery
It is the most common and widely used treatment for bladder cancer.  It is used for all types and stages of bladder cancer.  Depending on the stage and grade of the tumor, the surgery include :

Transurethral resection: Also called TUR, this method is used to treat superficial bladder cancer (carcinoma in situ). An instrument called resectoscope is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder. A small wire loop on the end of the instrument removes the tumor by cutting it or burning it with electrical current. This is called fulguration. After TUR, patients may also have chemotherapy or biological therapy.

Radical cystectomy :  Radical cystectomy is the removal of the entire bladder as well as its surrounding lymph nodes and other structures that may contain cancer. This major surgery is used for cancers that have invaded through the bladder wall or for superficial cancers that extend a large part of the bladder. Not only the entire bladder but also other structures are removed.

Segmental or partial cystectomy: The procedure of removing only a part of the bladder is called segmental cystectomy. It is usually performed for treating low-grade cancer that have invaded the bladder wall but are limited to a small area of the bladder.

Side Effects : After surgery, the patients may have some blood in their urine and difficulty or pain when urinating. Radical cystectomy may affect a person's sexual function. This surgery stops the production of semen because it removes the prostate and seminal vesicles in men. And in women the womb (uterus), ovaries, and part of the vagina are removed. As a result, menopause may occur and most women are not able to get pregnant.

Note : All statements given are only for information purpose. We are not responsible or liable for any problems related to the utilization of information on this site. We suggest that you consult a qualified doctor before trying any alternative health care remedies.