There are many treatment options for patients with cancer of the bladder. Treatment for the cancer can vary, depending on its stage and location. Treatment for patients diagnosed with cancer of the bladder requires a thorough diagnosis. Your doctor may perform a diagnostic test such as an ultrasound or a chest X-ray, as well as a pyelography. These diagnostic tests provide detailed information on the location and spread of the cancer. Cancer is classified by staging, which is crucial for deciding the best treatment for you.
There are two types of cancer of the bladder: low-grade transitional cell carcinoma and high-grade squamous cell carcinoma. Low-grade cancers do not spread, and high-grade cancers often spread to other parts of the body or lymph nodes. High-grade cancer of the bladder is the most deadly type of the condition, accounting for approximately 80% of all bladder cancer deaths. Squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in the glandular tissue of the bladder, usually develops after a prolonged infection or irritation.
A number of risk factors have been linked to the development of bladder cancer. Smoking increases your risk of developing the disease by up to four times compared to non-smokers. Exposure to industrial chemicals may also increase your risk, as do certain jobs. Taxi drivers and bus drivers are especially at risk because they breathe diesel fumes, which are carcinogenic. But thanks to regulations and public awareness campaigns, most cancer-causing chemicals are now banned.
Your doctor may conduct a CT scan to diagnose cancer of the bladder. The CT scan creates a series of detailed pictures of inside the body using a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to make the organs appear more clearly. Some doctors perform a biopsy of a tumor. Other tests can detect cancer markers or detect recurrence. So make sure to schedule an appointment for a CT scan with your doctor if you suspect you have cancer of the bladder.
The cause of bladder cancer is unclear, but several factors can increase your risk of developing the disease. The most common type is urothelial cancer, which is categorized according to where the cells are located. Urothelial cancer develops in the bladder’s lining. These tumors grow into finger-like projections called papillary tumors. Squamous cells, on the other hand, develop in the bladder lining as a response to irritation. These cancers may progress because of infection or diseases like stones or schistosomiasis.
Aside from surgery, chemotherapy is another treatment option for cancer of the bladder. This form of treatment can be given in combination with radiation or chemotherapy. It uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells. The ideal retention time for this type of therapy is six to eight weeks. For bladder cancer, this form of treatment is reserved for patients who cannot undergo a major surgical procedure. It involves inserting a radioactive pellet into the urinary bladder and removing it after a specified time period.
