Is bladder cancer not preventable? The answer to this question depends on the type of cancer and the risk factors for developing it. There are several risk factors for developing bladder cancer, including: certain genetic changes, workplace exposure, radiation therapy to the pelvis, and some anticancer medications. Another risk factor is Aristolochia fangchi, a Chinese herb. Drinking water treated with chlorine or high arsenic concentration may also increase the risk.
A health-care professional will ask you a number of questions, including about your family history, medications, and work history. They will also ask you questions about your habits and lifestyle, so that they can develop a risk assessment of bladder cancer. They may also feel for lumps in your rectum or vagina. If these signs are present, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to have a thorough examination. In some cases, the condition may not be present yet, but if the cancer is deemed untreatable, treatment may be necessary.
A medical oncologist may prescribe immunotherapy to boost the immune system. Immunotherapy is usually given only to patients with early stages of cancer (Ta, T1 and CIS). Intravesical BCG treatment is one example of immunotherapy. This procedure involves the use of fluid containing a modified Mycobacterium or cow TB bacteria. This fluid stimulates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the cancer cells.
Whether bladder cancer is treatable is dependent on the stage of the disease. Stage is the size and extent of the tumor’s invasion of the bladder wall. Imaging studies and biopsy results will determine the correct stage for treatment. Stage and grade of the cancer are equally important. The latter is often more aggressive and life-threatening. Invasive cancer is often the case with advanced stage bladder cancer. There are many treatment options for bladder cancer. You may choose the most suitable treatment option for your condition.
If your doctor suspects bladder cancer, you should undergo a series of tests to determine if it has spread to other areas of your body. Despite its high risk for recurrence, it can still be treated with effective drugs. A biopsy will determine if the cancer cells have spread to other organs. In most cases, bladder cancer is treatable, though it may recur in advanced stages. If you do get it early, you’ll be in a much better position to cure it.
Radiation therapy is also a treatment option for bladder cancer, though this procedure is not generally available in the U.S. Most centers do not offer this treatment. After treatment, you will undergo a series of tests to determine whether the treatment is effective. If it doesn’t, further treatment is necessary. If the cancer has returned, you may need a radiation therapy. However, the effectiveness of this treatment depends on the grade and stage of the tumor.
Papillary tumors are urothelial carcinomas that grow as projections into the bladder’s hollow part. They are often easily removed but may grow back. The aggressiveness of papillary tumors varies widely. Low-grade papillary urothelial cancers have less likelihood of spreading and recurring. On the other hand, high-grade papillary cancers have the potential to spread and invade surrounding tissue.
