Bladder cancer is a type of cancer in which tumors develop in the bladder lining. Bladder cancer is very common among men as well as women. People who smoke have a high risk of developing bladder cancer. Bladder cancer can be divided into two types, viz., superficial bladder cancer and muscle invasive bladder cancer. Doctors can make proper prognosis of the likely treatment and its outcome.
Signs of Bladder Cancer
Bleeding in urine is one of the common signs of bladder cancer. The condition in which blood appears in urine is termed as hematuria. Usually, the signs of cancer in bladder are painless at an early stage. Some of the signs may be similar to that of urinary infection. Other signs may include irritation of bladder and pain in the lower abdomen.
Less common signs of cancer of bladder include burning sensation, sudden urges to urinate, and frequent urination. Advanced stage of cancer may include signs including bone pain, swollen legs, pelvic pain, and weight loss.
Prognosis of Bladder Cancer
The cancer can be treated well if the signs are noticed and the disease is detected at an early stage. Prognosis of cancer helps in detecting the likely treatment. An early detection—before it spreads to areas outside the bladder—would make prognosis better. Prognosis depends upon the medical history of the individual patient, too. There are many other factors that affect prognosis as well as treatment of bladder cancer.
Treatments of Bladder Cancer
Prognosis, treatment, and survival rate vary depending upon factors like age, stage of cancer, other medical problems, etc. Surgery has a better survival rate. The survival rate is less, and the chances of recurrence of cancer are more in other forms of treatments. After treatment, periodic checkups can lead to better prognosis. A specialist who knows the medical history of the patient can make better prognosis.
Some effective treatments for bladder cancer include the following:
- Surgery is one of the effective treatments. It involves the process of removing the bladder and nearby organs that are affected.
- Radical cystectomy for lower stage invasive cancer of bladder may be done. It is used to create new ways to get rid of urine.
- Chemotherapy can be used after the removal of bladder, depending on the extent of the disease.
- Bladder preservation is one of the useful treatments that may be applied in some patients. There is a risk of recurrence of the cancer using these treatments.
- Chemoradiotherapy is a helpful method of cancer treatment. Chemoradiotherapy treatments use radiotherapy along with chemotherapy.
- After the removal of superficial tumors, patients need routine cystoscopies to detect the cancer at an early stage. Cystoscopies would help in better prognosis and early treatment of cancer.
- Alternative treatments like meditation, relaxation techniques, massage and acupuncture can be effective natural treatments. These treatments help in controlling the associated signs and symptoms.
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