MayoClinic.com explains that bladder cancer frequently begins in the lining of the cells of the bladder, an organ that rests in the pelvis. Most people who receive a diagnosis are in the early stage, meaning it is highly treatable. While it typically affects older people, bladder cancer can affect anyone. A variety of treatment options are available, all of which depend on the person, overall health and the severity of the disease.
Early-Stage Surgery
One of the options for patients with bladder cancer is surgery. The type of surgery a person undergoes depends on the stage of his cancer. Those with early-stage bladder cancer have two surgery options, the first being a transurethral resection of bladder tumor. MayoClinic.com explains that this surgery is for those whose cancer is still within the lining of the bladder and not in the bladder itself. During this procedure, the doctor burns away the cancer cells using an electric current.
Another option for patients in the early-stage of this cancer is a segmental cystectomy. The goal of this procedure is to preserve the bladder, according to Healthcommunities.com. If the cancer is contained to one area of the bladder and the doctor can remove that portion without disrupting bladder function, he may opt for this surgery instead.
Invasive Cancer Surgery
MayoClinic.com describes invasive bladder cancer as cancer that has invaded the walls of the bladder. When this occurs, doctors may have no other choice but to remove the entire bladder and create another means for urine to leave the body. Men undergoing this procedure, known as a radical cystectomy, must have their prostate removed along with their bladder. Women lose their uterus, ovaries and part of their vagina.
Chemotherapy Treatment
Chemotherapy treatment is known as systemic therapy, because the drugs travel through the bloodstream. As MayoClinic.com explains, doctors prescribe it after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. They may also use it prior to surgery to reduce the size of a tumor, thus enabling the doctor to perform a less invasive surgery. Healthcommunities.com states that the most common chemotherapy drugs for bladder cancer are thiotepa, doxorubicin and mitomycin.
Radiation
Just like chemotherapy, doctors sometime use radiation to shrink a tumor prior to surgery, making it easier for tumor removal. This option incorporates the use of high-energy beams the doctor aims directly at the site of the cancer to destroy any cells remaining after surgery, as MayoClinic.com explains. The machine she uses may be outside of the body, or she may place a radioactive device inside the bladder. In some cases, she combines radiation with chemotherapy for a more effective treatment.
Immunotherapy
Also known as biological therapy, this helps boost the body's immune to help fight cancer cells. Doctors have a choice between two biological therapy drugs--Bacillus Calmette-Guerin and interferon, according to the American Cancer Society.
