How is Bladder Cancer diagnosed?

There are several ways to diagnose Bladder Cancer. The disease often presents with symptoms, the most important of which is blood in the urine. The doctor may then test your urine for infection and blood. If there is any concern, the doctor will suggest that you undergo Cystoscopy in order to detect any abnormality inside the bladder. A Urogram (previously known as a Pyelogram) can also be used to diagnose bladder cancer. In a urogram, a vein is injected with a special type of dye, which is further excreted from the blood by the kidney. This dye is then examined by X-Ray or CT scan to assess for specific abnormalities. A few other techniques such as ultrasound, MRI, and urine based tests are sometimes used to investigate bladder cancer.

How can Bladder Cancer be treated?

Bladder cancer can be treated with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, depending on its type and stage.

For bladder cancer in its early stage, Transurethral Resection (TUR) may be sufficient to clear the tumour. In this technique, the tumour on the wall of the bladder is cut away using the resectoscope, and the bladder itself is not removed. Tumours like these have a tendency to come back, and regular monitoring of the bladder is then necessary for many years.

Radical Surgery (also known as Cystectomy), or radiotherapy, is necessary for the more advanced tumours. The organs removed during Cystectomy may include in men the entire bladder and  prostate, and in women, the bladder, uterus, ovaries and anterior vaginal wall. Lymph nodes near the bladder are usually also removed. Chemotherapy can be used in addition to surgery or radiotherapy. Patients having surgery to remove the bladder may sometimes be offered re-construction of a new bladder, otherwise the urine drains into an external urine collection bag on the abdomen. The type and combination of various treatments are decided by a team of physicians and surgeons, and take into consideration the stage of the bladder cancer and any complicating factors.

What preventive measures should be taken to minimise the risk of Bladder Cancer?

Quit smoking, as smokers are at the highest risk level of developing any type of cancer. Try to include vegetables and fruits in your daily diet and avoid junk or processed food. Try to avoid contact with toxic substances such as chemicals etc. And Regular exercise

Bladder cancer is a terrible disease that is often hard to treat using conventional methods, so it is important to not ignore early warning symptoms.

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About the Author: Dr.Mark Feneley is a <a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.markfeneley.com”>Urologist in London</a>. Mark consults for patients requiring urological advice, investigation and treatment of urological symptoms and second opinions. He performs most routine urological operations and has particular experience in endoscopic urological surgery. Please visit http://www.markfeneley.com for more details and information.

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