Urinary bladder cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the bladder. It’s one of the most common types of cancer, with the majority of cases being diagnosed in the early stages. Symptoms of bladder cancer may include blood in the urine, frequent urination, pain during urination, or back pain.
The treatment for bladder cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the type of bladder cancer, the patient’s overall health, and their preferences. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches.
Surgery is a common treatment for bladder cancer, especially for early-stage tumors that haven’t spread beyond the bladder wall. The surgical procedures used to treat bladder cancer include:
Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT):
- This procedure is often used to diagnose and treat early-stage bladder cancer.
- During TURBT, a cystoscope (a thin tube with a camera) is inserted through the urethra into the bladder.
- The surgeon then removes the cancerous tumor or tumors using special instruments passed through the cystoscope.
- TURBT is usually performed under general or spinal anesthesia and is often followed by further treatment, such as intravesical chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
Partial Cystectomy:
- In cases where the cancer is limited to a small area of the bladder, a partial cystectomy may be performed.
- During this procedure, only the portion of the bladder containing the tumor is removed, preserving the rest of the bladder.
- Partial cystectomy may be an option for some patients with early-stage bladder cancer who wish to preserve bladder function.
Radical Cystectomy:
- Radical cystectomy is the most extensive surgical procedure for bladder cancer and is typically reserved for more advanced or aggressive tumors.
- During a radical cystectomy, the entire bladder is removed, along with nearby lymph nodes and, in men, the prostate and seminal vesicles. In women, the uterus, ovaries, and part of the vagina may also be removed.
- After the bladder is removed, the surgeon creates a new way for urine to leave the body, called urinary diversion. This may involve creating a new bladder using a segment of the intestine (neobladder), diverting urine to a stoma (opening) in the abdominal wall (urostomy), or using a continent pouch.
Lymph Node Dissection:
- In conjunction with radical cystectomy, the surgeon may perform a lymph node dissection to remove nearby lymph nodes and check for the spread of cancer.
The surgical process for bladder cancer is complex and may vary depending on the individual patient’s situation and the specific approach chosen by the surgical team. It’s important for patients to discuss the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives of surgery with their healthcare providers and to receive comprehensive care from a multidisciplinary team experienced in treating bladder cancer.
