Bladder Cancer

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the cells of the bladder, which is the organ responsible for storing urine. The cancer typically begins in the urothelial cells, which line the inside of the bladder. These cells can undergo abnormal changes, growing uncontrollably and forming tumors, which may spread to other parts of the body if not treated.

Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer

Several factors increase the risk of developing bladder cancer, including:

• Tobacco use: Smoking is the most significant risk factor for bladder cancer.
• Age: Bladder cancer is more common in people over the age of 55.
• Gender: Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer than women.
• Occupational exposure: Certain chemicals, such as those used in the dye, rubber, and leather industries, may increase risk.
• Chronic bladder infections or bladder stones: Conditions that cause irritation in the bladder can increase the risk.
• Family history: A family history of bladder cancer can increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

Symptoms may include:

• Hematuria (blood in the urine): This is the most common symptom, often visible as pink or red urine.
• Pain or burning during urination.
• Frequent urination or urgency.
• Pain in the lower back, pelvis, or abdomen.
• Fatigue, weight loss, or loss of appetite (in advanced cases).

Diagnosis

Bladder cancer is often diagnosed through:

• Urine tests: To check for blood or cancerous cells.
• Cystoscopy: A procedure in which a doctor uses a small camera to look inside the bladder.
• Imaging tests: Such as CT scans or MRIs, to assess the size and spread of the tumor.

Treatment Options for Bladder Cancer Based on Staging

Bladder cancer is categorized into two main types based on its invasiveness:

• Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC): This type remains confined to the mucosal layer of the bladder and does not invade the bladder wall. It has a higher survival rate when treated effectively.
• Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC): This type invades the bladder wall or spreads beyond the bladder, requiring more aggressive treatment.

Non-Muscle Invasive (Superficial) Bladder Cancer Treatments

These treatments are typically used when the cancer is confined to the mucosal layer.

1. Cystoscopic Destruction of Bladder Tumor Using Cautery

   • Procedure: Performed via a cystoscope (a camera-equipped endoscope inserted through the urethra). Small instruments can remove the tumor, stop bleeding, or use laser therapy for cancer treatment.
   • Indication: Used for small tumors. Electrocoagulation (heat treatment) can be used for tumor removal.

2. Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT)

   • Procedure: This endoscopic procedure uses electrical energy to remove tumors through the urinary tract. It’s a comprehensive treatment that doesn’t require external incisions.
   • Indication: Often prescribed for patients with large, multiple, or high-grade tumors.

3. Intravesical Drug Therapy (Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy)

   • Procedure: Drugs are directly instilled into the bladder through a catheter to reduce the recurrence of bladder tumors.
   • Indication: Typically used for tumors that are large, in situ, or high-grade and advanced stage.

Muscle-Invasive (Advanced) Bladder Cancer Treatments

For tumors that invade the bladder wall or spread to other organs, more aggressive treatments are required.

1. Cystectomy (Bladder Removal Surgery)

   • Procedure: Radical cystectomy involves the complete removal of the bladder. Partial cystectomy may be performed if the tumor is small and accessible, though it is rarely done.
   • Indication: The standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

2. Radiation Therapy

   • Procedure: High-energy X-rays target cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy cells. Radiation is often combined with surgery and chemotherapy for better outcomes.
   • Indication: Typically used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy to target invisible cancer cells.

3. Chemotherapy

   • Procedure: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or shrink cancer cells by interfering with cell replication. Often, two or more chemotherapy drugs are used together for better efficacy.
   • Indication: Used for muscle-invasive bladder cancer and often in combination with radiation therapy. Cisplatin is the most commonly used chemotherapy drug.

4. Immunotherapy

   • Procedure: This treatment uses drugs or vaccines to stimulate the body’s immune system to fight cancer. While still being studied, immunotherapy shows promise in treating various cancers, including bladder cancer.
   • Indication: Effective for advanced and metastatic bladder cancer, especially in cases where chemotherapy has not worked. Multiple immunotherapy drugs have been approved for treatment.

Conclusion

Treatment options for bladder cancer vary based on the stage and grade of the tumor. For non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, minimally invasive treatments like TURBT and intravesical therapy offer excellent outcomes. For muscle-invasive bladder cancer, treatments may involve radical cystectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, often in combination for optimal results. Early detection and staging are critical to selecting the most effective treatment approach.

TUR-Bladder Tumor Surgery

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is a procedure used for both diagnosing and treating bladder cancer. It allows surgeons to remove the tumor entirely while obtaining tissue samples for analysis to confirm cancer diagnosis and determine its stage and grade.

How the Procedure is Performed

• Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under either general anesthesia (you are asleep) or local anesthesia (spinal/epidural, numbing the lower body while you remain awake).

• Technique: A resectoscope, a surgical tool with a loop, is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. The loop is used to remove the tumor. Tissue samples are sent for pathological evaluation.

• Additional Treatment: For early-stage bladder cancer, intravesical therapy (medication placed directly in the bladder) may be applied after surgery.

Post-Surgery Recovery

• Hospital Stay: Patients may go home the same day or stay overnight.

• Catheter Use: A catheter is usually placed temporarily to aid urination.

• Symptoms: Temporary increased urination frequency, mild bleeding, or discomfort may occur, typically resolving within two weeks.

• Follow-Up Care: Intravesical chemotherapy may be administered to destroy remaining microscopic cancer cells.

Patients should report any persistent bleeding or significant discomfort to their healthcare provider for proper management.

Why Choose Health Tourism for Bladder Cancer Treatment?

Health tourism allows you to access top-tier medical care for bladder cancer treatment, offering a combination of advanced medical technology, world-class expertise, and high standards of care. Patients who travel abroad for treatment can benefit from:

• World-Class Hospitals: Access to internationally renowned hospitals with specialized bladder cancer centers.

• Leading Surgeons: Expert surgeons and oncologists with extensive experience in bladder cancer treatment.

• State-of-the-Art Technology: The latest technologies in robotic surgery, and diagnostic imaging.

• Affordable Treatment Options: High-quality care at a fraction of the cost compared to other countries.

• Comprehensive Care: From initial consultation to post-operative follow-up, a holistic care plan designed to ensure the best possible outcome.