When it comes to treating your cancer, knowing which stage you are at is critical. The staging system for bladder cancer is quite complex, and it is based on the information gathered during your diagnosis. The various stages of cancer are referred to as muscle-invasive or superficial. The stage you are in will determine the treatment options you have. Read on to learn more about each stage. When it comes to stage, the earlier you are detected, the better.
Transurethral resection is the main treatment for superficial cancer. Intravesicular chemotherapy, or IVT, is another treatment option. This form of treatment involves injecting chemotherapy or an immune therapy directly into the bladder. These drugs will destroy cancer cells and prevent them from returning. Intravesicular immunotherapy can also be used in combination with chemotherapy. If you have any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor. It may be necessary to undergo more than one treatment, depending on the type of cancer.
CT scan – This is an imaging test that creates a 3D image of the body. CT scans of the abdominal and pelvis can help doctors determine the extent of cancer. Patients with cancer may undergo several imaging tests, including a CT scan. The test is performed as a diagnostic measure as well as to monitor the progress of the cancer. However, a CT scan is still necessary to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Certain genetic conditions increase your risk for bladder cancer. For instance, exstrophy, failure of the urachus, and Lynch syndrome are all hereditary conditions that increase your risk of bladder cancer. People with these diseases are also more likely to develop other types of cancer. These factors can include:
A robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy is another treatment option. It is possible to remove the bladder without the need for an open surgical procedure. Some patients even manage to maintain sexual function after the procedure. With ongoing improvements, bladder cancer surgery provides the best hope for a cure. As a result, patients can lead an excellent quality of life even after the surgery. If the bladder cancer is detected early, surgery can improve quality of life and reduce the chances of recurrence.
Smoking cigarettes has the highest risk of bladder cancer. This is followed by secondhand smoking and occupational exposure to chemicals. Other occupational exposures that increase the risk of bladder cancer include arsenic and other toxic environmental agents. Exposure to these substances during construction can lead to cystitis, so it’s best to avoid them whenever possible. Further, overuse of indwelling catheters can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. So, what are the causes of bladder cancer?
The risk of bladder cancer is higher in men than in women. Men have a four to seven-fold higher risk of developing bladder cancer than women, and women have a lower mortality rate. A majority of people with bladder cancer are over the age of 55. And although white people have higher rates of bladder cancer than black or Native Americans, their risk is lower than that of Hispanic or Asian populations. If you’re a smoker, you must avoid smoking as much as possible.
