Treatment introduction
The treatment and prognosis of bladder cancer depend on the stage and grade of the cancer. Treatment of bladder cancer may include:
* Surgery: Superficial bladder cancer can be treated with transurethral resection of the bladder tumor either alone or along with other treatment, such as further operation, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In some patients, resection of the bladder completely or partially maybe needed.
* Chemotherapy: In superficial cancer, chemotherapy is used locally after transurethral resection of the bladder tumor. Systemic chemotherapy is usually used in advanced disease or metastatic cancer to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery.
* Radiation therapy: By using high-dose X-rays or other high-energy rays to treat the bladder cancer. Radiation therapy may also be given either alone or along with other treatment, such as operation, chemotherapy.
Post-surgical Care
People who have had bladder cancer need follow up regularly. Typically, the follow-up plan includes cystoscopy, urine analysis, urine cytology, physical exam, image study, and routine blood tests. The time between doctor visits may be modified according to the clinical condition.