Bladder cancer is one of the leading types of cancer in the country. However, early diagnosis can ensure better prognosis and new and advanced bladder cancer treatments are helping people in the advanced stages. The survival rates have also improved with modern bladder cancer treatments. When it comes to this condition, early detection is the key and one has to be mindful of the symptoms.

Some of the common symptoms include hematuria (blood in the urine). Sometimes, the laboratory analysis of a urine specimen can reveal red blood cells in the urine that are invisible to the naked eye. There are other symptoms such as the persistent urge to urinate, frequent urination, back pain or abdominal pain, and sudden and unintentional weight loss. These symptoms should be brought to the attention of a doctor, who will take the following steps:

1. Diagnosis
The standard diagnosis of bladder cancer is known as cystoscopy. The technique involves a process of numbing the urethra under local anesthesia.

The cystoscope has a 2.9-millimeter or 4.0-millimeter tube that is pushed into the urethra to get a close view of the bladder inside. Tiny instruments can be inserted inside the scope to obtain the right tissue samples for lab analysis.

The cystoscopy technique can provide definite evidence of bladder cancer. However, the doctors may also conduct additional tests such as liver function tests, bone scan, and CT scans of some parts, like the pelvis, chest, and abdomen, to diagnose the spread of the disease.

2. Bladder cancer staging
A specialist, also known as the urologic oncologist, conducts the staging of cancer before commencing the treatments. Cancer staging is important as this determines the treatment options based on the characteristics of the tumor. This is an extremely important step, as it helps understand the prognosis of the disease.

The staging of bladder cancer is determined by the type and location of the tumor.

• T0: No cancer evidence
• Ta: The appearance of a non-invasive papillary or finger-like tumor
• Tis: A non-invasive flat carcinoma
• T1: Spread of the lamina propria
• T2A: Infiltrates the inner muscle
• T2b: Infiltrates the deep muscle
• T3: Extends beyond the bladder wall
• T4a: Infiltrates the prostate gland
• T4b: Involving the pelvic wall or abdominal wall

If cancer reaches the lymph nodes, N+ is tagged to the end of the tumor stage (for example, T3N+). If cancer has spread or metastasized to the lymph nodes and other organs, N+M1 is used as a staging symbol.

3. Bladder cancer treatments

• Surgery, as it helps get rid of cancerous tissue
• Reconstruction to change the outlet of the urine in case of bladder removal
• Chemotherapy for the entire body, as it helps improve the chance for cure
• Radiation therapy helps destroy cancer cells, especially in cases where surgery is not possible
• Immunotherapy helps boost the body’s immune system and its cancer-fighting prowess

Early detection can help treat bladder cancer effectively, so be mindful of the symptoms and make the all-important appointment with your doctor.