Bladder cancer
Bladder cancer is cancer that's found anywhere in your bladder. It's more common if you're over the age of 60.
About Bladder cancer
The bladder is an organ that collects, stores and then releases urine.
Bladder cancer affects about 10,000 people per year in the UK and is slightly more common in men than women.
In most cases the cancer will develop in the lining of the bladder. However, in some cases, the tumour will have spread into the bladder muscle.
What to expect from your initial appointments
Following referral from your GP, most patients are directed to have a CT scan of their abdomen to investigate their kidneys, and then receive an appointment for a cystoscopy.
What to expect from diagnostic tests and investigations
Sample of urine
You will be asked to provide a urine sample for analysis.
Cystoscopy
A doctor or specialist nurse will examine the inside of your bladder by passing a thin camera through your urethra. The procedure normally takes five to 10 minutes and before starting a local anaesthetics gel will be applied to your urethra. The specialist may also take a small tissue sample from the inside of the wall of your bladder.
Ultrasound scan
Uses sound waves to create pictures of the organs in the pelvis and tummy area.
CT scan
CT scans take pictures of your body. This normally takes around 10 minutes.
MRI scan
MRI uses magnetism and radio waves to create a cross sectional picture of the body. The scan itself normally takes around 45 minutes to one hour.
Treatment options for Bladder cancer
The treatment that is recommended will depend on whether your cancer has spread from the lining of the bladder to the surrounding muscle.
Transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT)
This procedure may be carried out during your first cystoscopy, when tissue samples are removed for testing. The surgeon will use the cystoscope to locate any visible tumours and cut them away from the lining of the bladder. Any bleeding from the bladder is stopped by using a mild electrical current.
Cystectomy
A cystectomy is an operation to remove the bladder. This involves removal of the bladder and prostate in a man. In a woman, it may involve the removal of the womb and sometimes the ovaries. The surgeon may also remove lymph nodes linked to the bladder.
In general, it is a five hour operation and requires about five days in hospital. The urinary system needs to be reconstructed after the removal of the bladder and this can be done in a number of ways. Your surgeon and nurse will discuss the options with you in your clinic appointment. This is major surgery and not required for most patients with bladder cancer.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is a treatment where radiation is used to destroy cancer cells. You may have chemotherapy on its own or with other anti-cancer treatments.
Chemotherapy
Some patient receive chemotherapy prior to surgery or radiotherapy
Chemo/Radiotherapy
Combination of chemotherapy and Radiotherapy.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is sometimes used to treat adults with advanced metastatic bladder cancer (bladder cancer that has spread). It works by helping the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.
More information about treatment for Bladder cancer
Living with and beyond cancer
After completing your cancer treatment If you have any symptoms or concerns contact your clinical nurse specialist and your GP.