Surgical treatment for bladder cancer includes bladder removal, with a margin of normal tissue around it. After surgery, a pathologist examines the surgical margin to determine if cancer cells are present. This is important information because it may change the course of treatment. Patients may experience recurrence of bladder cancer in the urethra, ureters, or pyelum after treatment. Survivors usually have regular follow-up tests to monitor the condition.
The process of reconstructing the bladder is a major change for patients. Their focus will be on learning more about bladder cancer, making treatment decisions, managing short and long-term side effects, and getting used to a new bladder. They should also be aware of any symptoms that might indicate a return of the disease. Thankfully, efforts have been made to increase patient advocacy and education for people diagnosed with bladder cancer. However, some people may still experience some pain and emotional distress after reconstruction.
Your doctor will order blood tests and an X-ray. They will also use CT scans to check whether the cancer has spread to bones, lymph nodes, or soft tissues. A biopsy is also important for confirming a diagnosis of bladder cancer. Depending on the stage, your doctor may need to prescribe other tests, including a bone scan and a brain scan. A physician may also perform a biopsy to determine whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment options for bladder cancer include chemotherapy. Typically, chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously. Some of these drugs are very intense and can have serious side effects if given to patients who are unfit for them. Patients with bladder cancer may benefit from less intense treatments. If your cancer recurs, you may consider a clinical trial. It will determine the best treatment option for you. And, as you may have heard, there is no cure for bladder cancer, but you can help make the process easier.
There are three main types of bladder cancer: squamous cell and transitional cell. Squamous cell cancer begins in thin cells and may spread to other parts of the body. Often, these tumors are more aggressive than transitional cell carcinomas. Adenocarcinoma, on the other hand, develops in the inner lining of the bladder. The tumor may spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes and the lungs.
Survivors of bladder cancer are almost 80 percent alive five years after the initial diagnosis. Some risk factors include exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace, parasites, and chronic urinary tract infections. A doctor can tell you about your specific risk factors. The 5-year survival rate for bladder cancer is 77%, depending on the stage and treatment. Your age, overall health, and the response of your cancer to treatment all play a role in the outcome.
Another important risk factor for bladder cancer is smoking. Smoking is linked to about half of all bladder cancer cases. Additionally, regular peeing helps eliminate harmful chemicals from the bladder. Drinking plenty of water and green leafy vegetables may lower your risk as well. These are just a few of the many ways to prevent bladder cancer. The best way to reduce your risk of developing the disease is to practice healthy lifestyle habits. The right diet is also key. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking.
