Bladder cancer treatment

Bladder cancer is a malignant neoplasm that grows from the wall of the organ. The tumor is more common in men than in women - it occurs 3 times more often in them. People aged 40 to 60 are most susceptible to the disease, as well as those who work in potentially hazardous industries: oil, rubber, paint, aluminum, using plastics, resins, etc.

According to statistics, bladder cancer is a fairly rare oncological pathology and in more than half of cases it is diagnosed in the early stages, which improves the prognosis for treatment.

A small tumor may not bother the patient for a long time until it increases in size and begins to squeeze neighboring organs.

The main symptoms of bladder cancer are:

• blood in the urine (may become darker or red);
• urination disorders (frequent urges, feeling of incomplete emptying, etc.);
• pain in the lower abdomen, groin, lower back.

The first symptoms in most cases are blood in the urine. Then there are frequent urges to urinate, a feeling of fullness of the bladder, incomplete emptying and other urination disorders. Pain is a later symptom. It can be periodic or constant, localized in the pelvic area, lower back or genitals.

It should be borne in mind that such symptoms can also appear with other diseases of the genitourinary system. An accurate diagnosis can only be made based on the results of an examination - the effectiveness of self-diagnosis based on one's own feelings is close to zero.

Bladder tumors have statistically proven risk factors. Experts note a significant prevalence of the disease among people who have smoked for many years, worked in chemical plants and inhaled aromatic amine vapors (ammonia derivatives), and have also been subjected to parasitic invasion (schistosomiasis).

Diagnosis and treatment of malignant diseases of the genitourinary system is the specialization of an onco-urologist. He provides assistance to both men and women.

During the first appointment, the urologist will listen to complaints and ask clarifying questions to better understand the clinical picture. The doctor will also study the medical history: the presence of chronic pathologies, previous infections, previously performed examination or treatment. After that, the specialist will examine the patient and prescribe the necessary examinations.

To clarify the exact diagnosis, the following may be required:

• urine tests;
• blood tests;
• urogenital discharge tests;
• bladder ultrasound;
• cystoscopy;
• biopsy with histological analysis;
• X-ray, CT scan of the abdominal cavity and chest, etc.

A tumor can be diagnosed during an ultrasound, but its type can only be determined by histological analysis of cells. To obtain a sample, an endoscopic examination is performed - cystoscopy. A flexible tube equipped with an optical device and a biopsy tool is inserted into the patient's bladder through the urethra. The image from the microcamera is transmitted to a monitor, which allows the doctor to carefully examine the inner lining of the organ and pinch off a small piece of the tumor for analysis. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

Laboratory tests are also of important diagnostic importance. Bladder cancer is characterized by a constant increase in leukocytes in the urine and anemia, but these markers are nonspecific and can be a manifestation of many other diseases

To determine the stage of cancer and check for metastases, an X-ray or CT scan of the abdominal cavity and chest is performed.

Comprehensive therapy is used to treat cancer. Its program and duration depend on the stage of the disease and the presence of metastases.

The patient may be prescribed:

surgical treatment - removal of the tumor or bladder;

radiation therapy - irradiation of the tumor with high doses of X-rays or other radiation;

chemotherapy - taking drugs that destroy cancer cells (can be local - drugs are injected into the bladder, or systemic - affects the entire body);

immunotherapy - injection into the bladder of a drug based on the BCG vaccine (for tuberculosis), which provokes the immune system to destroy the tumor.

For small tumors and without metastases, surgery is performed first, and then chemotherapy or other treatment. Postoperative therapy helps destroy cancer cells that may have remained in the body and reduce the risk of relapse.

For large tumors that have spread to nearby organs, radiation therapy may be required initially. In some cases, it can shrink the tumor, making surgery easier.

Oxford Medical employs experienced oncologists who provide conservative and surgical treatment for cancer.

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