how is bladder cancer treated

Contents

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Medication

Depending on the stage of the cancer and other factors, treatment options for people with bladder cancer can include: Bladder Cancer Surgery Intravesical Therapy for Bladder Cancer Chemotherapy for Bladder Cancer Radiation Therapy for Bladder Cancer Immunotherapy for Bladder Cancer Targeted Therapy Drugs for Bladder Cancer

Procedures

Treatments for Nonmuscle-Invasive (Superficial) Bladder Cancer Cystoscopy with Cautery Destruction of the Bladder Tumor Cystoscopy is an outpatient procedure during which a thin, lighted tube with a camera is passed through the urethra into the bladder, allowing your doctor to see the inside of the bladder.

Therapy

standard treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer —meaning the tumor is not contained and has penetrated the bladder’s thick muscular layer—is a surgery called radical cystectomy. 1 this procedure entails removing the bladder and surrounding organs— prostate and seminal vesicles in men; uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the upper …

Nutrition

The type of treatment (s) that a patient may need depends upon the stage and grade of the bladder cancer. Treatment options may include: Surgery Radiation therapy BCG intravesical immunotherapy Chemotherapy (intravesical and/or systemic) Immunotherapy medications Targeted therapy Laser ablation therapy Tissue-agnostic treatment

What is the best cure for bladder cancer?

Mar 25, 2022 · Treatment of bladder cancer depends on the stage of the cancer. Treatment options include different types of surgery (transurethral resection, radical and partial cystectomy, and urinary diversion), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

What are the chances of survival for bladder cancer?

Jan 30, 2019 · Surgery is done for most bladder cancers. The type you have depends on the stage of the cancer. Removing the tumor from the inside bladder is the most common surgery for early bladder cancer. This can be done during a cystoscopy. A a cystoscope with a looped wire on the end is used to remove the tumor.

Can you cure bladder cancer?

2 days ago · The procedure is called transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). Further, a rectal and vaginal bimanual examination should be carried out before and after the TURBT to assess whether there is a palpable mass or if the tumour is fixed (“tethered”) to the pelvic wall.

How do I care for someone with bladder cancer?

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Can bladder cancer recur after treatment?

Bladder cancer may recur, even after successful treatment. Because of this, people with bladder cancer need follow-up testing for years after successful treatment. What tests you’ll have and how often depends on your type of bladder cancer and how it was treated, among other factors.

How does radiation therapy help bladder cancer?

Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses beams of powerful energy, such as X-rays and protons, to destroy the cancer cells. Radiation therapy for bladder cancer usually is delivered from a machine that moves around your body, directing the energy beams to precise points.

How to diagnose bladder cancer?

Tests and procedures used to diagnose bladder cancer may include: Using a scope to examine the inside of your bladder (cystoscopy). To perform cystoscopy, your doctor inserts a small , narrow tube (cystoscope) through your urethra. The cystoscope has a lens that allows your doctor to see the inside of your urethra and bladder, …

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Can TURBT be used for bladder cancer?

TURBT can also be used to treat bladder cancer. Examining a urine sample (urine cytology). A sample of your urine is analyzed under a microscope to check for cancer cells in a procedure called urine cytology. Imaging tests.

What tests can be done to determine if you have bladder cancer?

Tests may include: CT scan.

What is a low grade bladder cancer?

Low-grade bladder cancer. This type of cancer has cells that are closer in appearance and organization to normal cells (well differentiated). A low-grade tumor usually grows more slowly and is less likely to invade the muscular wall of the bladder than is a high-grade tumor. High-grade bladder cancer.

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What is the best treatment for cancer?

Radiation therapy, to destroy cancer cells, often as a primary treatment when surgery isn’t an option or isn’t desired. Immunotherapy, to trigger the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells, either in the bladder or throughout the body. Targeted therapy, to treat advanced cancer when other treatments haven’t helped.

What is the procedure to remove a bladder tumor?

Cystectomy (Bladder Removal) Surgery. When bladder cancer tumors completely invade the bladder’s muscular wall, the standard of care is to perform bladder removal surgery. Typically, complete removal of the bladder ( radical cystectomy) is required. Partial cystectomy is rare because the requirements are that the tumor is easily accessible …

What is bladder cancer?

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer, or advanced bladder cancer, is cancer that has invaded the bladder wall or spread outside of the bladder. These cancers require more aggressive clinical management. Bladder cancer treatment options vary depending on whether the cancer is nonmuscle-invasive or muscle-invasive, and specific treatments are determined …

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What percentage of bladder cancer is superficial?

Bladder Cancer Liver Gallbladder and Pancreas Urological Conditions Cancer. Over 75 percent of bladder cancers remain confined to the lining of the bladder and do not invade the bladder wall. These are called nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer, or superficial bladder cancer, and when managed well, they are associated with excellent prognoses.

What is the procedure called when a camera is passed through the urethra?

Cystoscopy is an outpatient procedure during which a thin, lighted tube with a camera is passed through the urethra into the bladder, allowing your doctor to see the inside of the bladder.

What is a TUR procedure?

Transurethral resection (TUR) is an endoscopic or scope procedure that does not involve making an incision in the body. Drug therapy after TUR is commonly prescribed for patients with large, multiple or high-grade tumors.

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What is intravenous drug therapy?

Intravesical Drug Therapy (Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy) Intravesical drug therapy involves placing medicines directly into the bladder via a urethral catheter to lower the recurrence rates of bladder tumors. It is usually used for multiple carcinomas in situ that cover a large area (5 centimeters-plus), or for high-grade or high-stage tumors.

Is a radical cystectomy necessary?

Typically, complete removal of the bladder ( radical cystectomy) is required. Partial cystectomy is rare because the requirements are that the tumor is easily accessible and small in size, and that there are no tumors in the rest of the bladder.

What is the best treatment for bladder cancer?

For bladder cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, like the lymph nodes or other organs (lungs, liver, and/or bones), chemotherapy is usually the preferred first option to slowing cancer growth. 5 

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What is the procedure to remove a bladder tumor?

The first step in treating non-muscle invasive bladder cancer—meaning the tumor is contained within the bladder and has not penetrated its thick muscular layer—is a type of surgery called transurethral resection bladder tumor, or TURBT. 1  This procedure removes the tumor from the bladder.

When will bladder cancer be diagnosed?

on August 13, 2019. As you process your diagnosis, moving forward with treatment is crucial to optimizing your health and recovery. A person’s precise bladder cancer treatment plan will depend on a number of factors, especially the stage of cancer (how far it has spread) and the grade of cancer (how abnormal the cancer cells look).

What happens after a bladder is removed?

After the bladder is removed, a surgeon must devise a new place for urine to be stored. There are a few options to consider: 1 . A new bladder can be created from part of a person’s intestines (neobladder) that is connected to a person’s urethra so they can urinate as before.

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Where can a bladder be created?

There are a few options to consider: 1 . A new bladder can be created from part of a person’s intestines (neobladder) that is connected to a person’s urethra so they can urinate as before. A pouch can be created inside the body using tissue from the stomach or intestines. One end is connected to the ureters and the other to an opening in …

What chemo is used for bladder cancer?

Two common chemotherapy regimens used prior to surgery for urothelial bladder cancers are: MVAC (methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin) GC (cisplatin and gemcitabine) Your oncologist, or cancer doctor, will administer these chemotherapies in cycles.

Can you have a bladder removed with a cystectomy?

Despite radical cystectomy being the standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, sometimes a person with invasive bladder cancer may not have their entire bladder removed. Rather, they may undergo a partial removal of their bladder or a more extensive TURBT. Like any form of treatment, in these unique cases, the risks and benefits need to be carefully analyzed.

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Which surgeries are used?

Most patients diagnosed with bladder cancer will have some form of surgery as part of their treatment. 1 The following types of surgery are often used to treat bladder cancer:

What is radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation that are focused onto a patient’s body to kill cancer cells inside the body. 2 In patients with bladder cancer, radiation therapy is generally used in combination with other treatment (s), such as surgery.

What is BCG immunotherapy treatment?

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy treatment is a type of intravesical immunotherapy that is delivered directly into the patient’s bladder. 3 BCG contains bacteria that help the body’s own immune system to attack cancer cells in the bladder lining.

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What is maintenance therapy?

After their initial round of treatment, patients with certain types of bladder cancer may be advised to have maintenance therapy with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy. 3 The aim of maintenance therapy is to attempt to reduce the chance that bladder cancer will recur and start growing again after the initial treatment is completed.

What types of chemotherapy are used?

Chemotherapy treatment includes powerful medicines that attack cancer cells that are rapidly dividing in a patient’s body. 4,5 Two types of chemotherapy may be used to treat bladder cancer: intravesical chemotherapy and systemic chemotherapy. Intravesical chemotherapy is delivered directly into the patient’s bladder through a catheter.

What types of immunotherapy are used?

For patients with certain forms of bladder cancer, including some advanced and metastatic bladder cancers, as well as specific other forms of bladder cancer, immunotherapy medicines are a potential treatment option. The exact use of immunotherapy in bladder cancer depends on the individual medication being utilized for treatment.

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What is targeted therapy?

Targeted therapies are a newer treatment option for certain forms of locally advanced or metastatic bladder cancer. Targeted therapies are different from other treatments like chemotherapy because they focus on specific parts of certain cancer cells in an attempt to provide treatment for cancer that does less damage to healthy cells.

What is bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the bladder. The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower part of the abdomen. It is shaped like a small balloon and has a muscular wall that allows it to get larger or smaller to store urine made by the kidneys.

What is it called when you have cancer in your bladder?

Cancer that is in the lining of the bladder is called superficial bladder cancer. Cancer that has spread through the lining of the bladder and invades the muscle wall of the bladder or has spread to nearby organs and lymph nodes is called invasive bladder cancer. See the following PDQ summaries for more information:

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Does smoking cause bladder cancer?

Smoking can affect the risk of bladder cancer. Signs and symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in the urine and pain during urination. Tests that examine the urine and bladder are used to help diagnose bladder cancer. Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

Where is the bladder located?

The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower part of the abdomen. It is shaped like a small balloon and has a muscular wall that allows it to get larger or smaller to store urine made by the kidneys. There are two kidneys, one on each side of the backbone, above the waist.

Which type of cancer begins in the innermost tissue layer of the bladder?

These cancers are named for the type of cells that become malignant (cancerous): Transitional cell carcinoma: Cancer that begins in cells in the innermost tissue layer of the bladder. These cells are able to stretch when the bladder is full and shrink when it is emptied.

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Where does bladder cancer start?

Most bladder cancers begin in the transitional cells. Transitional cell carcinoma can be low- grade or high-grade: Low-grade transitional cell carcinoma often recurs (comes back) after treatment, but rarely spreads into the muscle layer of the bladder or to other parts of the body.

What is the name of the cancer that begins in glandular cells that are found in the lining of the bladder?

This is a very rare type of bladder cancer. Cancer that is in the lining of the bladder is called superficial bladder cancer.

How to remove bladder cancer?

This can be done during a cystoscopy. A a cystoscope with a looped wire on the end is used to remove the tumor. When the cancer is more invasive, the cancer is removed along with part of the bladder or the entire bladder.

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What is it called when cancer grows in the bladder?

If the cancer grows into the outer layers of the bladder, it’s called invasive. Invasive cancers are more likely to spread and can be harder to treat.

What is it called when cancer cells spread to other parts of the body?

For instance, cancer cells in the bladder can travel to the bone and grow there. When cancer cells spread, it’s called metastasis . Cancer is always named for the place where it starts.

What is it called when cancer spreads to the bone?

For instance, cancer cells in the bladder can travel to the bone and grow there. When cancer cells spread, it’s called metastasis . Cancer is always named for the place where it starts. So when bladder cancer spreads to the bone (or any other place), it’s still called bladder cancer.

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What is the tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder?

Tubes called ureters connect your kidneys to the bladder. Urine flows through the ureters and into your bladder, where it’s stored. When you urinate (pee), the bladder squeezes the urine out through a tube called the urethra. Bladder cancer usually starts in the lining or inner layer of the bladder wall.

What tests are done to check for bladder cancer?

This might include a rectal exam, during which a gloved finger is put into your rectum. If you are a woman, a pelvic exam might also be done.

What is the test for cancer?

Urine tests: For these tests, you’ll be asked to pee in a cup. Your urine is then tested for cancer cells, blood, or certain proteins (called tumor markers). Cystoscopy: For this exam, a doctor called a urologist looks at the inside of your bladder using a tool called a cystoscope.

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What is the treatment for bladder cancer?

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. It may include some combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Surgical options may include transurethral resection, partial or complete removal of the bladder, or urinary diversion.

What is bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer is any of several types of cancer arising from the tissues of the urinary bladder. Symptoms include blood in the urine, pain with urination, and low back pain. It is caused when epithelial cells that line the bladder become malignant.

What is the survival rate for a bladder transplant?

The typical five-year survival rates in the United States is 77%, Canada is 75%, and Europe is 68%.

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Where is the highest rate of bladder cancer?

In 2018, the highest rate of bladder cancer occurred in Southern and Western Europe followed by North America with rates of 15, 13, and 12 cases per 100,000 people. The highest rates of bladder cancer deaths were seen in Northern Africa and Western Asia followed by Southern Europe.

Is blood in urine a sign of bladder cancer?

Blood in the urine is the most common symptom in bladder cancer, and is painless. Visible blood in the urine may be of only short duration, and a urine test may be required to confirm non-visible blood. Between 80 and 90% of people with bladder cancer initially presented with visible blood.

Can bladder cancer cause cystitis?

These signs and symptoms are not specific to bladder cancer, and may also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, including prostate infections, overactive bladder or cystitis. Some rare forms of bladder cancer like urachal adenocarcinoma produce mucin, which is then excreted in the urine causing it to be thick.

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Does smoking cause bladder cancer?

Tobacco smoking is the main known contributor to urinary bladder cancer; in most populations, smoking is associated with over half of bladder cancer cases in men and one-third of cases among women, however these proportions have reduced over recent years since there are fewer smokers in Europe and North America. There is an almost linear relationship between smoking duration (in years), pack years and bladder cancer risk. A risk plateau at smoking about 15 cigarettes a day can be observed (meaning that those who smoke 15 cigarettes a day are approximately at the same risk as those smoking 30 cigarettes a day). Smoking (cigar, pipe, Egyptian waterpipe and smokeless tobacco) in any form increases the risk for bladder cancer. Quitting smoking reduces the risk. Risk of bladder cancer decreases by 30% within 1–4 years and continues to decrease by 60% at 25 years after smoking cessation. However, former smokers will most likely always be at a higher risk of bladder cancer compared to people who have never smoked. Passive smoking also appear to be a risk.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Coping and Support

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Pawan Katti

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.

Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and biological therapy.

Medication

Immunotherapy: This therapy helps boost your immune system fight against the cancerous cells.

Atezolizumab . Durvalumab . Avelumab

Chemotherapy: Injection of cancer-fighting medications into the bladder through a catheter to kill the harmful cells.

Gemcitabine/Cisplatin . Methotrexate/ Vinblastine/Doxorubicin/Cisplatin (called MVAC) . Cisplatin/ Methotrexate/Vinblastine (called CMV) . Carboplatin/Paclitaxel . Docetaxel

Procedures

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT): An instrument called a resectoscope is inserted into the bladder through the urethra which is used to remove abnormal tissues or tumors.

Cystectomy: Removal of a part of bladder is called as partial cystectomy or complete bladder removal which is called as radical cystectomy.

Therapy

Radiation therapy:High-energy radiation is used to kill the cancer cells.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Focus on starchy carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, rice or potatoes
  • Whole grains are highly recommended
  • Eat a variety of fruit and vegetables daily
  • Include lean protein such as meat, fish, eggs, beans or pulses
  • Have milk and cheese

Foods to avoid:

  • Eggs, total fat, butter
  • Soft drinks, caffeine, chlorinated surface water, sugar

Specialist to consult

Urologist

Specializes in the urinary tract disease.

Oncologist

Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Preparing For Your Appointment

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