The bladder is connected to the kidneys via long tubes known as ureters. The bladder is responsible for holding the urine, but when there is a change in the cells, it leads to bladder cancer. Bladder cancer affects the functioning of the bladder. Therefore, timely cancer treatments are essential. Delay in treatment can lead to the spread of cancer to other organs such as the lungs, bones, or liver.
Trouble in urinating, blood in the urine, and feeling a pain or burning sensation during urination are some common symptoms of bladder cancer. There are plenty of factors that increase the risk of bladder cancer, such as smoking, pelvic radiation, exposure to chemicals, having an unhealthy diet. With precaution, one may not be prone to this condition.
Generally, bladder cancer is not diagnosed until it reaches an advanced stage. In case you are diagnosed with bladder cancer, do not panic. Instead, get in touch with health-care professionals for treatment.
Bladder cancer treatments can include the following methods:
1. Surgery
Surgery is recommended when the tumor can be removed. Based on the stage as well as the grade of the disease, doctors recommend the type of surgery. The list of surgical options for treating bladder cancer includes transurethral bladder tumor resection, urinary diversion, radical cystectomy, and lymph node dissection.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a treatment that includes the intake of medication to kill cancer cells. Moreover, it helps prevent the growth of cancer cells. Patients are prescribed oral medications as well as injections. There are two types of chemotherapy: intravesical and systemic. The type recommended depends on the stage of cancer.
3. Radiation therapy
In radiation therapy, cancer cells are killed with the help of invisible, painless, and high-energy rays. It is an alternative approach. If the affected person is unable to undergo surgery, then doctors recommend radiation therapy. Some doctors prefer radiation therapy in combination with chemotherapy for effective results.
4. Targeted therapy
It is a treatment that targets certain genes, tissues, or proteins that contribute to the survival and growth of cancer. For this, the doctors conduct some tests to identify the factors of the tumor and prescribe specific medicines to block the spread of cancer cells.
5. Biological therapy
Bladder cancer in the initial stages can be treated by strengthening the immune system. This therapy is known as immunotherapy or biological therapy. In this therapy, health care professionals insert the bacterium into the patient’s bladder with the help of a catheter. The bacterium activates the cells of the immune system to fight against the cancer cells.
Before you opt for bladder cancer treatments, it is advisable to consult your doctor. Based on the stage of cancer and your current health condition, the doctor would suggest the appropriate treatment method.
