Bladder Cancer is a serious condition that starts in the cells of the bladder, with symptoms that may include blood in the urine, burning with urination, or increased frequency or urgency of urination. When detected early, bladder cancer can often be managed effectively. Northwest Urology offers comprehensive care for bladder cancer, using advanced diagnostic tools and a range of treatment options tailored to each patient’s unique situation. Assessing the stage of bladder cancer is essential to creating an effective treatment plan, as survival rates vary significantly based on the stage at diagnosis.
The diagnosis of bladder cancer begins with a thorough history and physical examination followed by a CT urogram (x-ray image of the urinary tract). Cystoscopy – the passage of a thin, flexible scope into the urethra and bladder – helps to confirm the presence of a bladder tumor and to aid in performing a biopsy (tissue sampling) of any suspicious lesions or tumors. Finally, a test for abnormal cells in the urine (urine cytology) may be performed to detect microscopic cancer within the urinary tract.
The most common category of bladder cancer is low-stage and low-grade disease. This means the cancer is confined to the bladder and is less aggressive. Treatment for this type of bladder cancer is to remove the tumor using a minimally invasive technique.
The primary treatment options for Bladder Cancer include:
Bladder cancer symptoms may include blood in the urine, burning with urination, or increased frequency or urgency of urination.
Bladder cancer can be caused by genetic and hereditary factors, lifestyle factors such as smoking, exposure to certain chemicals and dyes, prior radiation treatment for other cancers, and medical conditions like chronic cystitis.
Key risk factors include smoking, exposure to chemicals at work, genetic predisposition, increased body mass index, and certain infections like schistosomiasis.
Surgical Intervention
Surgery is often the first-line treatment for bladder cancer. Options range from minimally invasive procedures to more extensive surgeries, depending on the stage and extent of cancer. Most low-stage cancer can be treated with an endoscopic procedure called Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT). This is an outpatient procedure in which the tumor is scraped of the lining of the bladder wall using a small camera. Cancers invading deeply into the bladder wall may require partial or complete removal of the bladder.
Intravesical therapy
Immunotherapy or chemotherapy may be instilled into the bladder to treat low-stage bladder cancers. Similar treatments may also be used to reduce the risk of bladder cancer recurrence.
Systemic therapy
Systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, may be used to treat bladder cancer that has already metastasized (eg. escaped the bladder), or as a treatment combined with major surgery (removal of the bladder) or radiation. It may also be utilized to prevent recurrence in successfully treated cancers that have a high risk for recurrence.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is an option for select patients who may have aggressive bladder cancer contained in the bladder but are opting for a bladder-sparing treatment or are not a good candidate for major surgery. It involves using high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells and is often coupled with chemotherapy treatment.
Early detection is crucial. 78.4% of People Survive 5 Years Or More after Being Diagnosed with Bladder Cancer. 10-year rate of 70%, and 15-year rate of 65%.
For more detailed information on bladder cancer statistics, please refer to the SEER Cancer Statistics provided by the National Cancer Institute.
At Northwest Urology, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for bladder cancer. Our team utilizes the latest diagnostic methods and treatment options, including Surgery, Intravesical therapy, Systemic therapy, and Radiation therapy, to support patients throughout their journey. Whether you’re seeking initial treatment or looking for advanced options, Northwest Urology is here to help.
This content is provided for informational purposes only. For a professional diagnosis or medical advice, please consult a healthcare provider.
