Non-Invasive Treatments For Bladder Cancer
Getting a non-invasive treatment for bladder cancer can help prevent cancer from coming back. Depending on the type of cancer, your doctor may prescribe a number of different treatments. These treatments may include surgery, intravesical therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Regardless of what type of treatment your doctor recommends, you should understand all your options.
If your cancer is found early, a TURBT (transurethral resection of the bladder tumor) may be the treatment you need. This procedure is done by inserting a thin, lighted tube called a cystoscope through your urethra into your bladder. The doctor then uses a tool with a special wire loop on its end to remove the cancerous tissue from your bladder. After the tumor is removed, your doctor may recommend that you have a biopsy to check for any other abnormalities.
Another treatment for bladder cancer is called intravesical therapy, which uses drugs to target the cancer cells without damaging the surrounding normal tissues. This treatment is often given after a TURBT, but it may also be recommended if the tumor has not spread.
Chemotherapy involves using anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. These drugs can be given before the surgery or during it. Chemotherapy is often given weekly for a period of six weeks. It is also possible to receive chemotherapy before surgery or radiotherapy, but it is usually better to receive chemotherapy in combination with surgery.
If your cancer is found to be advanced, you may need chemotherapy in addition to surgery. There are four types of treatments for bladder cancer: surgical, intravesical therapy, chemotherapy, and biologic therapy. There are also many different factors that will affect your treatment options. Your doctor will talk with you about your specific needs and expectations.
The most common type of bladder cancer is transitional cell carcinoma. This type of cancer is mainly found in the bladder and ureters, but it can also spread to other organs. To find out if your cancer has spread, your doctor may perform a CT scan, which is an x-ray that makes detailed pictures of the inside of your body. If the tumor has spread outside of your pelvis, your doctor may also perform a bone scan. In addition, you may need to receive a test called urine cytology to check for cancer.
During a CT scan, your doctor will use a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed pictures of your body. This can also be done using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. If your cancer has spread, your doctor may recommend a bone scan, which uses radio waves to make detailed pictures of your bones. If you need to have a bone scan, your doctor may recommend a specialized bone scanner called a stereotactic bone scanner.
A CT scan may also be used to stage your cancer. The doctor will also use this test to check for any blockages in your bladder. If the tumor has spread to your lungs or bones, you may need surgery to remove those parts.
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