If you are diagnosed with bladder cancer, your doctor will discuss various treatments available. Each one has its pros and cons, so you must weigh them against the side effects and risks of the procedure or medication. The following are a few treatment options that may be available. You can learn more about them here. To get the best possible treatment for your cancer, see a doctor right away. Treatment for bladder cancer may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.
Your doctor will likely use a cystoscope, a thin tube that has a light and camera and passes through the urethra to look at the bladder. In an office examination, a flexible cystoscope is used with a local anesthetic. The doctor can examine the cells through the cystoscope, and then send a sample to a laboratory for cytology. The cancer stage can be determined by determining the extent of the tumor and the best treatment.
Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy may be used in combination to treat bladder cancer. Radiation therapy can also be used if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. In some cases, surgery is the only option for patients whose disease is not responsive to chemo and has spread to the lymph nodes. This treatment has side effects that can make patients unable to take part in clinical trials. Patients may be eligible for clinical trials for newer treatment options for bladder cancer if they have met certain criteria.
Radiation therapy is an option if the cancer has spread beyond the bladder wall and does not respond to other treatments. For example, radiation therapy is used in cases where cystectomy is not possible. In such cases, radiation therapy is combined with chemo. While surgery is the most common treatment option for bladder cancer, it may not be the best option for some patients. This is because the chances of complete cure are lower. Some doctors may also prescribe other treatments instead of surgery.
Immunotherapy may be another option. This treatment works by stimulating the immune system to attack cancer cells. A type of immunotherapy drug called Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is commonly used for bladder cancer and is often given after a TURBT procedure. This vaccine activates the bladder’s immune system to fight cancer cells. However, this treatment is only effective if the cancer has spread to nearby organs or is metastatic.
Intravesical chemotherapy is another option for bladder cancer treatment. This therapy is given within 24 hours of surgery. A cystoscopy may be required every three to six months to check for recurrence. Weekly intravesical chemotherapy is sometimes given a few weeks after surgery. This chemotherapy may be repeated if the tumors return or if the radiation is not effective. In addition, it may be given in combination with an alternative treatment.
A diagnosis of bladder cancer requires a thorough evaluation. A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and a full medical history. He may refer you to a urologist to perform additional tests. A urologist will be able to form a diagnosis and provide a treatment plan. Further tests will also help determine the stage of the cancer and the type of treatment. If you have an advanced stage of bladder cancer, treatment options can vary.
