The bladder is a hollow organ in the pelvis that stores and releases urine. Urine is the liquid waste produced by the kidneys and carries to the bladder through the ureters. When you go to the bathroom, the muscles in the bladder contract to push urine out through the urethra. Unfortunately, not all bladder cancer cases are treatable.
Treatment for bladder cancer differs depending on its stage and location. If it’s localized, the survival rate is about 96%. However, if it’s regional or distant, the survival rate is only 69% to 37%. Fortunately, regular medical advances have made great strides in reducing the number of cases of this cancer. If your cancer is in the distant part of the bladder, your chances of survival are only 6% to 10%.
Surgery to remove the bladder can have unpleasant side effects. It can lead to hot flashes in females who have not yet reached menopause. Men may not be able to conceive or have sex following the surgery. However, sexual intimacy can be affected, and a partner should discuss the situation with their partner. After the surgery, it’s possible to find alternative ways to be intimate with your partner. Once you and your partner are comfortable with the changes, you can talk to them about your concerns and options. If your partner shares your fears and concerns, you can find ways to continue being intimate after your cancer treatment is complete.
The best way to determine the stage of bladder cancer is to consult with a urologist who can help you understand your condition and recommend a treatment plan. A doctor will determine your stage, which is the size of the tumor and its extent. Your doctor will likely use a flexible cystoscope to examine your bladder. He or she will also likely use a local anesthetic during the exam. A patient may receive more than one treatment, depending on the type and extent of the cancer.
Surgical treatment for bladder cancer varies depending on the depth of invasion. A radical cystectomy involves removing the entire bladder. The reconstruction options after the surgery include neobladder reconstruction, ileal conduit, and continent urinary reservoir. Chemotherapy is an option for some patients. In some cases, chemotherapy is directly administered to the bladder or through the muscles of the urethra. If your doctor deems it necessary, he or she may opt for surgery to treat the cancer.
Blood in the urine is the most common symptom of bladder cancer. This symptom may be microscopic or gross to the naked eye. Sometimes, patients may also experience pain or burning when passing urine. If you experience these symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately. Your doctor may recommend further testing to confirm the diagnosis. When you have a confirmed diagnosis of bladder cancer, your doctor will perform a series of tests to help determine the type of the cancer.
