Did you know that there are several different types of bladder cancer? While adenocarcinoma is the most common form, other types can also develop and spread to other parts of the body. Regardless of its type, bladder cancer treatment will vary depending on its stage. Adenocarcinoma accounts for about 1 to 2 percent of all bladder cancer cases. Listed below are some of the common symptoms and treatments for the disease.
The inside layer of the bladder is the lining. On the outside, there are the lymph nodes. The third layer is the muscle, which helps you urinate. In the event that bladder cancer has spread to the muscles of the urethra and pyelum, it will be treated as an invasive type of cancer. Invasive cancers behave similarly to CIS. Although most invasive UCs are UC, some may have areas of squamous differentiation. If they recur, they are considered to be intermediate risk.
The main pathologic types of bladder cancer are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and transitional cell carcinoma. Each of these cancers is classified into one of several prognostic stages based on TNM staging. The T stage refers to the degree of local invasion. The N stage refers to the size of enlarged lymph nodes and the M stage, or metastatic cancer. This stage may also be referred to as the T3a stage, which refers to tumours that have spread to a muscle-invasive layer.
After undergoing treatment for bladder cancer, you must learn about the disease. You should seek out a specialist to consult on your treatment options. The doctor can refer you to a counselor or specialist nurse to help you cope with the disease. If your symptoms are not manageable, it is also advisable to consult a psychologist or counsellor. If you’re not able to cope, you may consider hiring a personal assistant to help you out.
The most effective treatment for bladder cancer is local therapy. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, however, you may be offered chemotherapy. However, this form of treatment is associated with some side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. Other treatment options include adjuvant radiotherapy, which may help reduce the chance of the disease reoccurring. Finally, bladder-preserving therapies may help prevent the growth or spread of cancer cells.
A biopsy of the tumour will provide additional information. This helps your doctor determine the type of treatment to be applied. It will also reveal the grade and stage of the disease. The grade refers to the appearance of the cancer cells, while the stage is an indication of how far the cancer has spread. In addition, bladder cancer is classified as either non-muscle-invasive or muscle-invasive. Further, a biopsy may also be needed for confirmation of the diagnosis.
Transurethral resection is another treatment option. This surgery, also known as transurethral resection, involves inserting a thin camera into the bladder. This allows the doctor to see the cancer. Sometimes, however, the tumor may be too large for this method. If this is the case, surgery is not the best option. However, chemotherapy is still an option. There are many types of treatments for bladder cancer. So, be sure to seek help if you have bladder cancer.
