Bladder Cancer Treatment in Faridabad: From Diagnosis to Surgery and Recovery
The First Step Toward Healing from Bladder Cancer
Being diagnosed with cancer is not something anyone wants to hear, especially bladder cancer, tumors, surgery plus chemo. Thinking about bladder cancer and its treatment can be heartbreaking.
The good news is that bladder cancer treatment is highly personalized and depends on the tumor’s location, invasion, and metastasis and the patient’s overall condition. Early diagnosis of bladder cancer plays a significant role in determining further bladder cancer treatment.
Overview
What Is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably on the bladder lining or in the bladder tissue. The bladder is a hollow muscular organ that stores urine before it is expelled from the body.
You can imagine the shape of the bladder as similar to a plastic bag, except that it can stretch and contract as needed.
One of the early signs of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, which may discolor the urine to a pinkish or almost black color. Sometimes blood is not visible to the naked eye and only appears in laboratory tests.
However, regardless of this, if blood turns up in the urine, it is necessary to consult a specialist.
Common Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
- Blood in the urine — this may be intermittent
- Increased urge to urinate
- Painful urination
- Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Difficulties with starting or stopping urination
- Pelvic pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen
Some of these signs and symptoms are similar to those of prostate problems, kidney stones, and other conditions, so a qualified urologist is needed to confirm or refute the suspicion of bladder cancer.
What Causes Bladder Cancer?
Unfortunately, in most cases, doctors cannot tell exactly what caused bladder cancer to develop in a particular patient.
However, many specialists have identified several bladder cancer risk factors, including:
- Smoking
- Aging
- Occupational exposure to certain chemicals
- Radiation
- Specific therapies
Imagine the bladder lining as the paint in a water tank. When malignant cells begin to appear, specialists need to determine whether they are limited to the top layer of the bladder or have reached deeper into its muscle tissue.
Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer
To determine what kind of bladder cancer treatment is needed, the doctor will prescribe a set of diagnostic tests.
Initially, they may do a cystoscopy — a procedure in which a cystoscope, or urethral camera, is inserted into the urethra. This allows the specialist to visually examine the interior of the bladder.
In addition, to determine the nature of the tumor cells, a biopsy is performed, during which a histological analysis of the tissue removed from the bladder is made.
To determine the stage of bladder cancer, a doctor may prescribe additional tests to check if the tumor has spread beyond the bladder to other tissues and organs.
It is especially important to differentiate between non-muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive bladder cancer, as their treatment is different.
Bladder Cancer Treatment: What Comes Next?
Depending on the location of the tumor, the doctor finds a treatment for bladder cancer that is most appropriate for the patient’s case.
Bladder cancer is treated individually.
For instance, bladder cancer tumors that are non-muscle-invasive can be removed using a minimally invasive procedure called resection of the bladder tumor.
One of the methods of tumor removal is the introduction of a special scope into the urethra.
Sometimes, bladder cancer treatment also involves instillation — a procedure in which a solution is introduced into the bladder to destroy cancer cells.
To treat muscle-invasive bladder cancer, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgical removal of the tumor are used.
Surgery for bladder cancer includes cystectomy — the removal of the bladder.
Is Bladder Cancer Surgery Always Associated With the Removal of the Bladder?
No, bladder cancer surgery is not necessarily associated with the removal of the bladder; it all depends on the location and stage of the tumor.
In addition, diversion is performed during bladder cancer surgery — a procedure during which a new urinary tract is created to divert urine flow.
There are several types of diversion, and which one the patient will have depends on the doctor and the state of the patient’s body.
Can Bladder Cancer Be Treated With Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgeries?
In some cases, bladder cancer can be treated with minimally invasive tumor removal surgeries, such as robotic-assisted cancer surgery.
The choice of treatment is made by the doctor, taking into account various factors.
Meet the Expert: Dr. Shivam Vatsal Agarwal
Dr. Shivam Vatsal Agarwal is Director and Head of Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery at Metro Cancer Institute, Faridabad.
Dr. Shivam Vatsal Agarwal has higher education in Oncology, as well as fellowships in laparoscopic and robotic oncology.
Dr. Agarwal has extensive experience in laparoscopic cancer surgery as well as a variety of surgical oncology procedures. He has worked in leading hospitals and clinics in Faridabad, Delhi, and other cities.
For a cancer patient, the personal approach and support from a professional doctor are crucial elements in the fight against cancer.
Therefore, you need to know what cancer care Dr. Shivam Vatsal Agarwal can provide.
Recovery After Bladder Cancer Surgery
The recovery after bladder cancer surgery varies from patient to patient.
You will be monitored by the staff for:
- Pain and other post-operative complications
- Healing of the surgical site
- Function of the kidneys
- The work of the intestines
- The state of urination
In addition to the above, rehabilitation also includes adapting to the changes that have occurred to the body.
For example, if part of the bladder was removed or a diversion was made, the patient will have to get used to a new way of urinating. The doctor may prescribe therapy, which will also be helpful in recovering after bladder cancer surgery.
Moreover, an oncologist will inform you about further steps in bladder cancer treatment and give advice for bladder cancer surgery rehabilitation.
In addition, they will answer any questions you have.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bladder Cancer
Is Bladder Cancer Curable?
Yes, bladder cancer is curable. Cure rates also depend on the stage and grade of bladder cancer, the type of bladder cancer, the patient’s attitude to treatment, and the doctor’s approach.
What Is the First Sign of Bladder Cancer?
Blood in the urine is one of the first symptoms of bladder cancer, but it is often mistaken for other urinary tract diseases.
At the same time, it is vital to remember that blood in the urine without pain is a danger sign that requires immediate medical attention.
Does Bladder Cancer Always Require Surgery?
No, bladder cancer does not always require surgery.
There are a few treatment methods for bladder cancer besides surgery, for example, bladder cancer installation chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, etc.
The choice of treatment depends on the stage and grade of bladder cancer.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Bladder Cancer Surgery?
For instance, TURBT bladder cancer surgery is minimally invasive, while cystectomy is a major surgery.
Can Bladder Cancer Recur?
Unfortunately, bladder cancer can recur even after successful treatment.
After surgical removal of bladder cancer, the doctor prescribes regular tests to monitor the patient’s health. Various methods can be used to determine whether bladder cancer has recurred.
When Should I See a Doctor for Blood in the Urine?
In most cases, blood in the urine is not a reason to turn to the doctor immediately.
You can contact the doctor if blood in the urine is accompanied by other signs of disease.
However, bladder cancer is a serious condition that requires treatment. This is why it is so important to consult a specialist to find out the causes of the blood in the urine.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with bladder cancer, discussing the diagnosis and available treatment options with a cancer specialist can help you understand the next steps.
Visit Us for Bladder Cancer Treatment in Faridabad
099688 56411
Address:Ground Floor, Metro Cancer Institute Hospital, Nirman Kunj, ADB PWD Colony, Sector 16A, Faridabad, Haryana 121002
Dr. Shivam Vatsal Agarwal
Director and Head of Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery
Metro Cancer Institute, Faridabad
