Bladder Cancer
BLADDER CANCER TREATMENT
The Urinary Bladder is a urine storage triangle-shaped organ situated in the pelvis. The bladder's walls can relax and expand, allowing for the storage and passage of urine. There are many conditions that affect the urinary bladder. Usually, these are benign conditions, including urinary incontinence, infection, and stones.
Bladder cancer, also known as Urothelial Cancer, is a type of cancer that develops when there is an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the epithelial lining of the bladder. As the bladder is a small, muscular organ that is located in the pelvis, the cancer impacts the primary function of storing urine and its elimination from the body.
Urinary cancer requires proper clinical evaluation and treatment. At Ananta Urology and Robotics Clinic, our clinical team, led by the expert Dr. Rohan Patel, provides the latest evidence-based Diagnosis and Robotic Surgery for Bladder Cancer Treatment in Ahmedabad.
SYMPTOMS OF BLADDER CANCER
Individuals with bladder cancer may show the following symptoms or signs.
⦁ Pain or a burning sensation while urination
⦁ Increased frequency of urination
⦁ Need to urinate without being able to pass urine
⦁ Blood in the urine
⦁ Lower back pain, usually on the body’s one side
In advanced cases of Bladder Cancer, the patient may develop kidney failure due to obstruction, chronic cough due to lung metastasis, pain in bones, or fracture due to skeletal involvement.
If any person experiences blood in urine, then they should immediately seek medical attention from a urologist as this can be an early symptom of bladder cancer. If detected, contact our expert Dr. Rohan Patel- the Best UroOncologist for Bladder Cancer Treatment.
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
Bladder cancer can develop due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Apart from DNA mutation, there are several other risk factors associated with an increased chance of developing bladder cancer. These include -
Tobacco - Cigarette smoking or any form of tobacco intake is the most common and significant risk factor for bladder cancer.
Age - Bladder cancer is more common in older adults, with the risk increasing with age.
Occupational and chemical exposure - Exposure to certain chemicals and substances and people working in industries like rubber, leather, textiles, and dye may be at higher risk.
Chronic bladder infections - Long-term bladder inflammation (caused by repeated urinary tract infections or the use of catheters) may cause an increased risk of bladder cancer.
Radiation exposure - Previous radiation treatment for other cancers in the pelvic region may increase the risk of bladder cancer.
Genetic factors - A family history of bladder cancer may slightly increase the risk.
By reducing these risk factors and practicing good hygiene, one can help reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer.
DIAGNOSIS OF BLADDER CANCER
The diagnosis of bladder cancer involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, urinalysis, and various diagnostic tests by a Urologist or Bladder Cancer Specialist.
Cystoscopy - It is a form of an endoscopy done in office-based setting at a urology centre, where an small telescope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to inspect the bladder lining for tumors or inflammation by an urologist
CT-Scan - Computed tomography (CT) of abdomen and pelvis help to see the urinary tract and surrounding structures to determine the spread and involvement of bladder cancer.
MRI - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of abdomen and pelvis is indicated in selected cases to provide detailed images of the bladder and nearby tissues when there is compromised kidney function.
Urine Cytology - Laboratory analysis of a urine sample to identify abnormal cells shed by the bladder lining, which reveals types of bladder cancer.
Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT) or Biopsy - It helps to inspect and remove all of the bladder tumour seen endoscopically and send bladder tissue sample to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its type and grade and stage.
Radioactive bone scans - Once the diagnosis of Bladder Cancer is confirmed, bone scan is done to check whether the cancer has spread to the bones.
PET CT Scan - It is the most advanced form of imaging of the whole body for cancer. It is usually recommended by an Oncologist as a part of staging test to identify the spread of cancer and determine the Best Bladder Cancer Treatment plan.
STAGES OF BLADDER CANCER
Once bladder biopsy and CT or MRI scan is done, an Uro Oncologist who specialises in treatment of bladder cancer will determine the stage of bladder cancer.
Stages of Bladder Cancer are divided into:
Stage I - The cancer spreads to the inner layer of the urinary bladder and not to the muscular layers of the bladder. Here, cancer doesn’t reach the thick layers of the bladder and affects only the lamina propria and is known as Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC).
Stage II - In this stage, the cancer cells spread and invade the muscular layers of the urinary bladder. Thus, it is called ‘muscle-invasive bladder cancer’(MIBC). The fatty tissue or lymph nodes are not affected by the cancer at this stage.
Stage III - Here, the bladder cancer doesn’t remain localized (spreads to muscles and fatty bladder tissues). The cancer cells invade the regional lymph nodes and other organs like the prostate, uterus, etc.
Stage IV - Often called Metastatic Cancer, this stage affects the pelvis, abdominal wall, and even most of the body organs as the cancer spreads to lymph nodes of distant regions.
BLADDER CANCER TREATMENT
Bladder cancer can be treated through different approaches, depending on the stage and location of the tumor. At our Center, we provide detailed counselling to the patient regarding all the Treatment options of Bladder Cancer, and work as a Multi-disciplinary Team to ensure the Best Treatment Outcomes to our patients.
Radical Cystectomy is the gold standard Bladder Cancer Treatment with the highest chance of cure.
Robotic Radical Cystectomy - This Robotic Bladder Cancer Treatment is a minimally invasive surgery that uses Robotic technology to remove the bladder and surrounding Lymph nodes. It is recommended for localized and locally advanced bladder cancer cases, a it offers a quicker recovery and less postoperative discomfort than traditional open surgery. Most of Cystectomies are performed Robotically at our centre.
Laparoscopic and Open Bladder Cancer Surgery - Depending on the tumor's stage and location, we may use minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques or traditional open surgery to remove bladder cancer. To those looking for the best Bladder Cancer Surgery in Ahmedabad may consult us.
Neobladder - Once the bladder has been removed, we create a new one using a portion of the intestine, allowing for more natural urine storage and voiding. We offer the most technologically advanced Robotic Bladder Cancer Treatment in Ahmedabad (Robotic Neobladder).
Ileal Conduit - This is a surgical procedure performed by experts that creates a urinary diversion using a segment of the small intestine. The urine is directed from the kidneys to a permanent stoma or an opening on the abdomen after bladder removal.
TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor) - This procedure is used to diagnose and treat early-stage bladder cancer by removing tumors through a cystoscope inserted into the bladder via urethra. It is commonly the first procedure done for diagnosis and staging of bladder mass. In select case of NMIBC, TURBT alone is usually curative.
BCG Instillation - This immunotherapy treatment involves the instillation of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) directly into the bladder to stimulate the immune system. It is often used to prevent recurrence and progression of early-stage and High Grade Non-Muscle Invasive bladder cancer.
At our cancer centre, an experienced team of UroOncologist led by Dr. Rohan Patel, a Robotic and Bladder Cancer Specialist, provides the latest and the Best Treatment of Bladder Cancer ranging from, Laparoscopic and Open Radical Cystectomy to Robotic Bladder Cancer Surgery in Ahmedabad. We are also among a select few centres in India which routinely perform Robotic Neobladder Surgery, with results comparable to the Best Cancer Centres in the world
If any patient has symptoms suggestive of Bladder Cancer or are looking for the Bladder Cancer Specialist or the Best hospital for Bladder Cancer Treatment in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
PATIENT EDUCATION
How Is Robotic Radical Cystectomy Done
How Is Robotic Nephro-Ureterectomy Done
FAQS
The stages of Bladder Cancer range from Stage 0 (non-invasive) to Stage IV (advanced).
Diagnosis involves determining the extent of tumor invasion into bladder layers and
surrounding tissues.
Bladder Cancer prognosis varies based on the stage at diagnosis. Early detection improves
outcomes. Five-year survival rates range from high for localized cases to lower for advanced
stages.
Treatment for Bladder Cancer depends on factors like stage, grade, and overall health. Surgery in the form of complete removal of Bladder (Radical Cystectomy) is the Best treatment with the highest chance of cure.
A Neobladder is a surgically created replacement for the bladder. It allows for urine storage and release, typically constructed using a segment of the patient's intestine. It aids normal urination.
Symptoms of Bladder Cancer include blood in urine, frequent urination, pain during urination, and pelvic discomfort. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and improved outcomes.