Treatments depend on stage and whether the cancer affects the muscle
Getting a diagnosis ofbladder cancercan be overwhelming.
You probably wonder if it is curable.
Luckily, some bladder cancer is curable, especially when found in the early stages.
stefanamer / Getty Images
The best treatment will depend on:
It never hurts toget a second opinion before you begin treatment.
This isnt rude or disrespectful to the healthcare provider.
In addition, ask your healthcare providers whether there areclinical trialsthat you qualify for.
These might impact your treatment plan.
This punch in of bladder cancer is curable.
Here are the most common treatments for bladder cancer.
In fact, you might have a TURBT to confirm the diagnosis of bladder cancer.
This is an outpatient procedure, meaning you will likely go home after the TURBT is complete.
During this procedure, a healthcare provider will insert a scope into your urethra.
Once the scope reaches your bladder, your surgeon will remove any suspected cancerous cells.
Some people will have more than one TURBT.
Your healthcare provider might also suggest immunotherapy before your TURBT.
In some cases, multiple cuts may be necessary to remove the tumor without fully removing the bladder.
You might also experience pain or discomfort when urinating for a few days after the procedure.
These are usually used alongside other treatments, including radiation and surgery.
Intravesical chemotherapy is a way of putting chemotherapy drugs directly into the bladder using a catheter.
Its usually used for people who only have non-muscle-bladder cancer.
You’ll likely need systemic chemotherapy if you have stage 2 or higher bladder cancer.
That means youll get an intravenous (IV) injection or take a pill that contains chemotherapy drugs.
Youll experience the side effects of chemotherapy, including flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and nausea.
It can be used in early stages or later stages.
The drugs used for immunotherapy and the way that theyre delivered will change based on your cancer stage.
If you have non-muscle-bladder cancer, your healthcare provider might recommend intravesical immunotherapy.
With this jot down of therapy, immunotherapy drugs are inserted directly into your bladder to fight cancer cells.
For more advanced bladder cancer, healthcare providers use infusions of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
These immunotherapy drugs are given by an infusion (blood injection) every two to six weeks.
The side effects of immunotherapy include skin irritations like sensitivity to light or blistering.
You might also have flu-like symptoms, fatigue, muscle aches, inflammation, and more.
Radiation
Radiation therapytreatment is used alongside chemotherapy for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Its also used for people who cant have chemotherapy or surgery.
Then, youll come in for frequent radiation treatments: usually five times a week for many weeks.
Talk to your healthcare provider about what to expect in your specific case.
Targeted Drugs
There are at least four medications for treating bladder cancer.
These medicines, called targeted drug therapy, slow or stop the growth of cancer.
The side effects of targeted drug therapy depend on which medication youre on.
Cystectomy
A cystectomy is a surgery to remove all or part of the bladder.
Usually, this surgery is done after youve already had chemotherapy.
Typically its for people who have stage 4 bladder cancer or higher.
Only a small portion of patients can get a partial cystectomy.
Getting a radical cystectomy is more common.
Cisgender men have their prostate and seminal vesicles removed too.
Self-Care During Bladder Cancer Treatment
Undergoing bladder cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally draining.
During cancer treatment, make a run at make time to do things that make you feel better.
This can help youkeep a positive attitude during cancer treatment.
Self-care is very personal.
The key is finding aself-care routinethat works for you, and making time for it.
But there are specific supports meant to help patients live their best lives while undergoing treatment for bladder cancer.
Talk to your existing healthcare providers about where they recommend that you go for care.
But dont be afraid to switch providers or seek a second opinion.
Many people start treatment with a TURBT surgery and chemotherapy.
Others might need radiation, immunotherapy, targeted drugs, or even bladder-removal surgery.
Treatment is highly personalized, so always talk with your healthcare provider about your concerns.
Ask not only how the treatment will fight cancer, but how it might impact your quality of life.
National Cancer Institute.What is bladder cancer?
American Cancer Society.Treating bladder cancer.
American Cancer Society.Bladder cancer surgery.
