Every Patient Deserves
Best Care and Treatment
Dr. Bhavana Parikh DNB (Oncosurgery)
Urinary Bladder Cancer Treatment in Ahmedabad
Urinary Bladder Cancer
DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENTS, CAUSES
Smoking is observed to be biggest risk factor for bladder cancer. Bladder cancers can be detected in early stages as they cause urine problems that will need medical attention.
About Urinary Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is a significant health concern globally, affecting thousands of individuals every year. In Ahmedabad, patients have access to world-class medical care, particularly at Aurum Cancer Care, one of the premier hospitals renowned for its comprehensive cancer treatment services. Led by esteemed experts like Dr. Bhavana Parikh, Aurum Cancer Care stands out as a beacon of hope for those battling bladder cancer in the region.
Bladder cancer manifests through various symptoms, which can include blood in urine, frequent urination, pain during urination, and back or pelvic pain. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing this condition effectively.
Aurum Cancer Care: A Beacon of Excellence
Aurum Cancer Care stands as a testament to excellence in cancer treatment, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a team of highly skilled professionals dedicated to combating cancer in all its forms. The hospital’s commitment to patient-centric care, coupled with its advanced infrastructure and cutting-edge technology, makes it a preferred choice for individuals seeking bladder cancer treatment in Ahmedabad.
At Aurum Cancer Care, the focus extends beyond medical interventions to encompass holistic support for patients and their families. From psychological counseling to nutritional guidance and rehabilitation services, every aspect of the patient’s well-being is prioritized to ensure a comprehensive and effective treatment experience.
Symptoms
Urinary bleeding is the first and most common symptom of bladder cancer. Aside from bleeding, there are a few more signs and symptoms that suggest bladder cancer development:
- A swollen bladder (if the tumour is at the bladder neck and causing an obstruction)
- Pain in the sides
- Difficulties in passing urine
- Burning sensation and pain while urinating
- Frequent urination
- Bone pain (if cancer has spread to bones or lungs)
Comprehensive Urinary Bladder Cancer Treatment Services
Aurum Cancer Care offers a wide range of bladder cancer treatment services, designed to address the diverse needs of patients at every stage of their journey. These services include:
Diagnostic Expertise
Accurate diagnosis forms the cornerstone of effective bladder cancer treatment. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and imaging technology, allowing for precise evaluation and staging of the disease.
Surgical Excellence
Aurum Cancer Care boasts a team of skilled surgeons, including Dr. Bhavana Parikh, who specialize in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical techniques, ensuring optimal outcomes with minimal discomfort and shorter recovery times.
Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy
In addition to surgical options, Aurum Cancer Care offers advanced chemotherapy and immunotherapy protocols for bladder cancer. These treatments are tailored to each patient's specific condition, maximizing efficacy while minimizing side effects.
Radiation Therapy
For certain cases of bladder cancer, radiation therapy may be recommended as part of the treatment plan. Aurum Cancer Care houses state-of-the-art radiation oncology facilities, with experienced radiation oncologists overseeing treatment delivery to ensure precision and safety.
Supportive Care Services
Beyond medical interventions, Aurum Cancer Care provides comprehensive supportive care services to enhance the overall well-being of patients. This includes pain management, palliative care, nutritional support, and counseling services, ensuring that patients receive holistic care addressing their physical, emotional, and psychological needs.
Types
Based on the type of cells that they originate from, bladder cancers are classified into the following types:
1. Urothelial Carcinoma:
Urothelial carcinoma, also known as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), accounts for 90% of bladder cancer cases. This type arises from the urothelial cells of the urinary tract.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinomas arise from the bladder lining and are almost always invasive.
3. Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinomas, which arise from the glandular cells, account for around 1% of all bladder malignancies. Almost all bladder adenocarcinomas are invasive.;
4. Small-cell Carcinoma
Small-cell carcinomas are of rare occurrence and account for less than 1% of all bladder cancers. It is a neuroendocrine epithelial tumour that is poorly differentiated.
5. Sarcoma
Also called urinary sarcoma, this rare type arises from the bladder’s muscular cells.
Causes
While the exact causes of all are not known, this disease is believed to result from mutations in the genes that are responsible for blood cell development and growth.
Cigarette Smoking: Cigarette smoking is thought to be responsible for nearly half of all bladder cancers. The risk of bladder cancer is higher among those smokers who’ve had prolonged exposure to this habit.
Age: The risk of developing bladder cancer increases with age. Bladder cancer affects about 90% of adults who are over the age of 55.
Gender: Men are more likely than women to get bladder cancer, owing to smoking and exposure to harmful chemicals.
Family History: Having a close relative with a history of bladder cancer may increase one’s risk of developing the disease.
Exposure to Harmful Chemicals: Exposure to toxic substances, such as arsenic, phenols, aniline dyes and arylamines is associated with an increased risk of bladder cancers. Individuals working in the dyeing, rubber, aluminium and leather industries, as well as truck drivers and pesticide applicators, are at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer.
Past Cancer Treatments: The occurrence of bladder cancer is also high among those who have received radiation therapy and chemotherapy for certain cancers in the pelvic region.
Chronic Infections: Bladder cancer is also predisposed by long-term chronic infections and irritation caused by stones or foreign materials.
Diagnosis
A myriad of testing methods is available for the detection and diagnosis of bladder cancer. The following are some of the most often utilised bladder cancer diagnostic methods:
Urinalysis:
A basic urine test can confirm the presence of bleeding in the urine, prompting the doctor to recommend additional tests. Urinalysis is one of the first tests recommended by a doctor if bladder cancer is suspected.
Urine Cytology
Urine cytology is performed to look for any abnormal cells that could point towards tumour growth in the bladder. This is not a very effective testing method as it misses many early-stage tumours. Therefore, urine cytology is recommended along with other tests for a conclusive diagnosis.
Ultrasound:
Bladder tumours can also be detected via ultrasound scans. It is a non-invasive method and does not need a contrast medium to be injected.
CT scan/MRI:
A CT scan or MRI provides comprehensive information on the tumour growth and may find tiny tumours in the bladder that an ultrasound might have missed.
Cystoscopy:
This is one of the crucial diagnostic methods recommended for bladder cancer. During this procedure, a thin tube-like optical tool that is equipped with a camera and light source is introduced into the bladder through the urethra. The interior surface of the bladder is made visible on a video monitor. Those small tumours that go undetected during other tests are easily detected when a cystoscopy is performed.
Biopsy:
The biopsy sample may be collected during the cystoscopy. The biopsy sample is further examined under the microscope for the presence of abnormal cells. A biopsy can help specialists in obtaining a definitive diagnosis of bladder cancer.
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Treatment
Bladder cancer can be treated in many ways. However, treatment decisions are made depending on a number of parameters, including the stage, grade and exact location of the tumour along with the overall health condition of the patient.
Surgery:
Surgery removes the tumour along with a small portion of the healthy tissues surrounding it, called the margin. There are several surgical approaches that specialists use to manage bladder cancer:
1. Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT): During this non-invasive procedure, the surgeon runs an electric wire loop into the bladder through the cystoscope. The electric current passed through the wire slices or burns the tumour. A high-energy laser may also be used. Following this treatment, the residual cancer cells are destroyed with a one-time injection of cancer-killing medication given to the bladder.
2. Cystectomy: This surgery may remove the bladder completely (radical cystectomy) or partially (partial cystectomy). The bladder, prostate, and seminal vesicles are removed in men, whereas the bladder, uterus, ovaries, and a portion of the vaginal wall are removed in women. Urine diversion, or a new method for urine to be expelled from the body, is required once the bladder is fully removed. Neobladder reconstruction may be considered in these cases. During the procedure, the urethra is connected to a reservoir made from a piece of the patient’s intestine. This neobladder is nearly identical to the original bladder in terms of functionality.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy employs potent drugs to kill cancer cells. Bladder cancer is treated with a combination of two or more chemo drugs. Chemotherapy can be given intravenously to eliminate any leftover cancer cells, or directly into the bladder to treat superficial bladder cancer, which arises from the lining of the bladder.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy kills cancer cells by using intense energy beams, such as X-rays and protons. For better results, radiation therapy is used in conjunction with chemotherapy or surgery.
FAQs
What is bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder, the organ responsible for storing urine. It usually starts in the lining of the bladder and can spread to nearby tissues if not treated.
What are the risk factors for bladder cancer?
Risk factors for bladder cancer include smoking, exposure to certain chemicals (such as those used in the dye industry), advanced age, male gender, a history of bladder infections, and a family history of bladder cancer.
What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?
Symptoms of bladder cancer can include blood in the urine (hematuria), frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, pelvic pain, and back pain. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it’s important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
How is bladder cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis of bladder cancer typically involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, urine tests (including urine cytology and urine culture), imaging tests (such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI), and cystoscopy (a procedure to examine the inside of the bladder using a thin tube with a camera).
What are the treatment options for bladder cancer?
Treatment for bladder cancer depends on various factors, including the stage and grade of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches.
Is bladder cancer curable?
In many cases, bladder cancer can be cured, especially if it is diagnosed at an early stage and promptly treated. However, the outlook can vary depending on factors such as the stage and grade of the cancer, as well as the response to treatment.
Can bladder cancer spread to other parts of the body?
Yes, bladder cancer can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, such as nearby lymph nodes, bones, liver, or lungs. This usually occurs in advanced stages of the disease.
How can bladder cancer be prevented?
While it’s not always possible to prevent bladder cancer, certain lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk. These include quitting smoking, avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals, maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
What is the role of genetics in bladder cancer?
While most cases of bladder cancer are not directly inherited, there may be a genetic predisposition to the disease in some individuals. Research suggests that certain genetic variations may increase the risk of developing bladder cancer, but more studies are needed to fully understand these associations.
What should I do if I suspect I have bladder cancer?
If you experience symptoms such as blood in the urine or persistent urinary problems, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional promptly. Your doctor can perform a thorough evaluation, including diagnostic tests if necessary, to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options.
