Bladder Cancer

WHAT IS BLADDER CANCER?

Bladder cancer is one of the most common urological cancers, ranking second after prostate cancer in men. It develops in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder—a muscular organ located in the lower abdomen responsible for storing urine before it leaves the body.

Although bladder cancer is more frequently diagnosed in older men, it can affect individuals of any age or gender. Early detection plays a crucial role in successful outcomes. If symptoms appear, seeking prompt medical evaluation is essential to ensure timely and effective treatment.

BLADDER CANCER SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

In its early stages, bladder cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, certain warning signs may develop. Common symptoms of bladder cancer include:

These symptoms can also be associated with other urinary conditions, but persistent or unexplained changes should never be ignored. If you experience any of these symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional is critical for accurate diagnosis and early intervention, especially when advanced Cancer treatment options are available.

BLADDER CANCER COMMON CAUSES

Bladder cancer occurs when cells in the bladder lining undergo genetic mutations that cause abnormal growth and tumor formation. While the exact cause is not always identifiable, several well-established risk factors increase the likelihood of developing bladder cancer.

BLADDER CANCER DIAGNOSIS

bladder cancer

In case you show any of the symptoms of bladder cancer and have some of the risk factors related to bladder cancer, your doctor might perform some of the following tests and procedures to properly diagnose bladder cancer:

BLADDER CANCER TREATMENT

Your bladder cancer treatment options depend on several factors, such as your tumor growth rate, the type of cancer, the presence of metastasis at the time of diagnosis, and the potential benefits or side effects of the available treatment options. Some of the treatment options for bladder cancer include:

SURGERY

Surgery is a cornerstone of bladder cancer treatment.

  • Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT)
    Used for early-stage cancers confined to the inner bladder lining.

  • Cystectomy
    Partial or complete removal of the bladder in more advanced cases. When the bladder is removed, urinary diversion is required.

Ileal conduit diversion is a common technique where a segment of the intestine is used to create a new pathway for urine to exit the body.

LOCAL CHEMOTHERAPY

Intravesical chemotherapy is used to treat tumors that are confined to the lining of the bladder and uses drugs to kill rapidly growing cells. This is one of the options in Cancer treatment for those with localized bladder cancer.

SYSTEMIC CHEMOTHERAPY

Used after surgery to increase the cure rate if you had surgery to completely remove your bladder, systemic chemotherapy helps target remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

IMMUNOTHERAPY

Immunotherapy is another treatment option for bladder cancer. One of the commonly used treatments is the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) injection. BCG is usually used as a vaccine to protect against tuberculosis, but in the case of bladder cancer, it has shown very good results in advanced cancer. This is a key part of Cancer treatment, offering patients access to the latest therapies for advanced bladder cancer.

Conclusion

At King’s Cancer Care Centre, we offer comprehensive care and Cancer treatment for patients with bladder cancer. Our multidisciplinary team of experienced professionals works closely with each patient to provide a personalized treatment plan, helping you navigate the challenges of bladder cancer with expert care and support. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of bladder cancer or have concerns about your health, schedule a consultation with one of our experts today to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options.

FAQ's about Bladder Cancer

Yes, especially when detected early. Many early-stage cases are successfully treated with surgery and intravesical therapy.

Survival rates vary by stage. Early-stage bladder cancer has a high five-year survival rate.

Yes, recurrence is common, which is why regular follow-up and monitoring are essential.

 

Absolutely. Smoking is the most significant risk factor for bladder cancer.

 

Patients undergo regular cystoscopies, imaging, and urine tests to detect recurrence early.

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