The choice of surgery depends on the stage and overall health of the patient. Treatment options vary depending on the type of cancer and the treatment options available. Patients diagnosed with stage IV tumors usually do not respond to treatment. If the cancer has spread to other organs, chemotherapy may be an option. Patients with stage II and III cancer may receive chemotherapy either before or after surgery. A partial cystectomy involves removing the tumor and a border of healthy tissue.
In stage T2 and higher, the tumors have a high growth rate and may spread throughout the body. They may also invade the muscle layer of the bladder. Because of this, high-grade bladder tumors have a high chance of recurrence and invasiveness. The high-grade disease is the most dangerous, as it is likely to spread to other parts of the body. Cancer treatment options for stage T3 cancer should be tailored to the specific type of cancer that you have.
Having a family history of bladder cancer may increase your risk of developing the disease. However, risk factors for bladder cancer do not mean that you’re at a higher risk than the general population. To find out if you have a family history of bladder cancer, talk with your healthcare provider. Some of these risk factors include radiation therapy to the pelvis, workplace chemicals, certain anticancer drugs, and a Chinese herb called Aristolochia fangchi. Drinking water that contains arsenic or chlorine may also increase your risk of developing cancer.
If you suspect bladder cancer, a doctor may perform a CT scan to diagnose the disease. A CT scan uses a computer and x-ray machine to take detailed images of the inside of the body. Sometimes a dye is injected into a vein or swallowed to make organs more visible. MRI, on the other hand, uses radio waves and a magnet to create detailed pictures of inside the body. A CT scan is a valuable way to diagnose bladder cancer and determine the extent of the disease.
Treatment for bladder cancer depends on its stage. If it has spread, it can recur and spread to other parts of the body. After treatment, patients must undergo tests to determine whether cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. However, it is important to be vigilant and follow up with your doctor. Even if you’ve had the disease for a long time, it is still important to monitor your health and get the best treatment options.
A cystoscope is another way to diagnose bladder cancer. This thin tube has a camera and light that can look inside the bladder cavity. Your doctor can remove any cancerous tissue for further analysis. Your doctor can then perform a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. Treatment for bladder cancer depends on its stage, prognosis, and risk of recurrence. Your doctor will determine the stage of your cancer as well as the type of cancer you have.
