The treatment of transitional cell carcinoma (this is the most common form of bladder cancer) distinguishes between non-invasive or superficial tumors and muscle-invasive tumors. The first type causes less damage in the bladder and can be treated without having to remove the bladder operationally. In the second type, the bladder must be removed. This is called cysectomy.
In a further advanced stage of bladder cancer, where the disease has spread to beyond the bladder wall, one will revert to chemotherapy and radiation. For example, one will attempt to destroy the cancer cells while trying to minimize damage to the surrounding healthy cells.
In case of a muscle-invasive tumor, a partial or complete removal of the bladder is immediately initiated. "Muscle invasive" means that the cancer has spread to beyond the contours of the bladder and that the muscle wall of the bladder is also affected. After the cysectomy, a replacement element will then have to be placed, which takes over the action of the bladder. There are currently two such replacement elements. First, there is the substitute bladder. This is a body that is created from your own tissue. However, making such an organ takes a lot of time. In the other case, the urethra is diverted to a different discharge point. This is then a stoma, which is distracted by the abdominal wall.
In non-invasive or superficial tumors, transurethral resection of the bladder will be performed. This means that you will view the bladder with a cystoscope, which is guided to your bladder via your urethra. The cystoscope can then suddenly remove the tumor. Some of the patients are already cured after this procedure. If this is not the case, doctors will prescribe a specific drug therapy. This therapy is called intravesical, because the medication is placed in the bladder along a catheter in the urethra. When this therapy is brought to a successful conclusion, this considerably reduces the chance of relapse. This treatment is effective for about two thirds of patients with a superficial bladder tumor.
Chemotherapy and radiation for bladder cancer
In a further advanced stage of bladder cancer, where the disease has spread to beyond the bladder wall, one will revert to chemotherapy and radiation. For example, one will attempt to destroy the cancer cells while trying to minimize damage to the surrounding healthy cells.
Treatment of muscle invasive bladder cancer
In case of a muscle-invasive tumor, a partial or complete removal of the bladder is immediately initiated. "Muscle invasive" means that the cancer has spread to beyond the contours of the bladder and that the muscle wall of the bladder is also affected. After the cysectomy, a replacement element will then have to be placed, which takes over the action of the bladder. There are currently two such replacement elements. First, there is the substitute bladder. This is a body that is created from your own tissue. However, making such an organ takes a lot of time. In the other case, the urethra is diverted to a different discharge point. This is then a stoma, which is distracted by the abdominal wall.
Non invasive bladder cancer treatment
In non-invasive or superficial tumors, transurethral resection of the bladder will be performed. This means that you will view the bladder with a cystoscope, which is guided to your bladder via your urethra. The cystoscope can then suddenly remove the tumor. Some of the patients are already cured after this procedure. If this is not the case, doctors will prescribe a specific drug therapy. This therapy is called intravesical, because the medication is placed in the bladder along a catheter in the urethra. When this therapy is brought to a successful conclusion, this considerably reduces the chance of relapse. This treatment is effective for about two thirds of patients with a superficial bladder tumor.