Treatment of bladder cancer depends on the stage and extent of the cancer, and may consist of one or more treatment options. The American Cancer Society says surgery is used in 90 percent or more of patients, either as the sole treatment or in conjunction with other treatments. Bladder cancer therapy may cause side effects, though not everyone will experience all the side effects. While many of these effects are temporary and can be easily managed, others may be long-lasting or even permanent.
Surgery
Various kinds of surgery are used to treat bladder cancer, including removal of part or all of the bladder. Effects of the surgery can include urinary leakage, urinary tract infections and urine flow blockage. If an ostomy is performed, which involves creating a pouch for storage of urine, effects can include wound infections, pouch stones and urinary leakage. Men who have radical bladder surgery may have their prostate gland removed, which can have sexual side effects, including inability to make semen and erectile dysfunction. For women, a radical cystectomy also removes the uterus and ovaries, which means they will not be able to become pregnant and will go into menopause immediately following surgery.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells; it can be administered externally by a machine or internally through the placement of radioactive pellets in the body near the tumor. Side effects of radiation therapy to the bladder include redness of the skin or skin irritation; nausea and vomiting; blood in the urine; pain or burning with urination; diarrhea; and fatigue. The white blood cell count may also be lowered as a result of radiation, which increases the risk of infection. These side effects tend to be worse if radiation is given concurrently with chemotherapy, says the American Cancer Society.
Intravesical Therapy and Chemotherapy
Intravesical therapy is medication placed into the bladder through a catheter. The most frequently used intravesical therapy for bladder cancer is called Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG); effects of this treatment include flu-like symptoms and a burning feeling in the bladder. Chemotherapy for bladder cancer may cause mouth sores, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and hair loss. Treatment can also lower white and red blood cell counts, which can lead to anemia and fatigue and increased risk of infection.
