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Urinary Bladder Cancer Treatment at Konkan Cancer Centre
Urinary Bladder Cancer Treatment at Konkan Cancer Centre
Overview of Urinary Bladder Cancer
Urinary bladder cancer is a type of malignancy that originates in the tissues of the bladder — a hollow, muscular organ located in the lower abdomen responsible for storing urine. The most prevalent form is urothelial carcinoma (also known as transitional cell carcinoma), but squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma also occur, especially in patients with chronic bladder irritation or infection.
Bladder cancer is among the top 10 most common cancers worldwide, particularly affecting men over the age of 55. At Konkan Cancer Centre , we offer state-of-the-art diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for all types and stages of urinary bladder cancer. Our expert multidisciplinary team ensures personalized, evidence-based care for every patient.
How Does Urinary Bladder Cancer Develop?
Urinary bladder cancer develops when the DNA of cells in the bladder lining mutates, causing them to grow abnormally and form tumors. These cancerous cells may invade deeper layers of the bladder wall or metastasize to distant organs if not detected early.
Key Global Risk Factors:
Smoking: Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor. Toxins in tobacco are absorbed and excreted through urine, directly affecting the bladder lining.
Chemical Exposure: Prolonged exposure to industrial chemicals (aromatic amines, benzidine, aniline) used in dye, rubber, textile, and leather industries.
Chronic Bladder Inflammation: Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), long-term catheter use, or bladder stones.
Radiation & Chemotherapy: Previous radiation to the pelvis or use of drugs like cyclophosphamide increases bladder cancer risk.
Genetics & Age: Risk increases with age and may be elevated in those with a family history of bladder or urothelial cancers.
Stages and Grades of Urinary Bladder Cancer
Understanding the stage and grade is crucial for choosing the right treatment:
Stages:
Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ): Limited to the inner lining.
Stage I: Invasion into the connective tissue beneath the lining.
Stage II: Tumor has penetrated the muscle wall.
Stage III: Spread into perivesical tissues or reproductive organs.
Stage IV: Advanced cancer with spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.
Grades:
Low-Grade Tumors: Slow-growing, less aggressive.
High-Grade Tumors: Fast-growing, more likely to recur and metastasize.
Types of Urinary Bladder Cancer
Urothelial Carcinoma: Makes up over 90% of cases; starts in urothelial cells lining the bladder.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Often caused by chronic inflammation or schistosomiasis (in endemic regions).
Adenocarcinoma: A rare form arising from mucus-producing glandular cells.
Common Signs & Symptoms
Early Warning Signs:
Hematuria (blood in urine): The most common symptom; may be visible or microscopic.
Frequent Urination: Even without much urine.
Urgency or Burning: Pain during urination (dysuria).
Advanced Symptoms:
Pelvic or Lower Back Pain
Weight Loss or Fatigue
Swelling in the Legs (lymphatic obstruction)
If you notice these symptoms, especially persistent hematuria, consult a specialist at Konkan Cancer Centre immediately for timely diagnosis and care.
Diagnostic Approach at Konkan Cancer Centre
At Konkan Cancer Centre, we provide a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis using the latest technology:
Step-by-Step Process:
Detailed History & Physical Examination
Assessing symptoms, lifestyle, and family history.
Urine Cytology: Microscopic analysis of urine for cancer cells.
Cystoscopy (Gold Standard)
A small camera inserted through the urethra to visually inspect the bladder.
Often combined with a biopsy for confirmation.
Imaging Tests:
CT Urography or MRI: For staging and evaluation of tumor spread.
PET-CT Scan: When metastasis is suspected.
Ultrasound: Initial evaluation in some cases.
TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor):
Both diagnostic and therapeutic for early-stage bladder tumors.
Treatment Options at Konkan Cancer Centre
Treatment depends on the stage, grade, type, and patient’s overall health. Our team follows global oncology guidelines, offering advanced care right here in Kolhapur.
1. Surgical Options:
TURBT: For superficial cancers; tumor removal via cystoscope.
Cystectomy:
Partial: Removal of part of the bladder.
Radical: Complete removal with reconstruction (neobladder or urostomy).
2. Intravesical Therapy:
Medications such as BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) or chemotherapy are directly instilled into the bladder for early-stage cancers.
3. Chemotherapy:
Neoadjuvant (before surgery): To shrink tumors.
Adjuvant (after surgery): To eliminate residual cells.
Common drugs: Cisplatin, Gemcitabine.
4. Radiation Therapy:
External beam radiation using precision techniques, used alone or with chemotherapy for bladder preservation.
5. Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy:
Agents like Atezolizumab or Pembrolizumab for advanced or metastatic cases.
What is the Gold Standard Treatment?
Early-stage (non-muscle invasive): TURBT followed by BCG therapy.
Muscle-invasive: Radical cystectomy with or without chemotherapy/radiation.
Metastatic: Systemic chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. It has a high recurrence rate, which is why long-term follow-up with periodic cystoscopy is essential.
Pain is not always present early on. Advanced stages may involve pelvic discomfort or pain while urinating.
When detected early and treated appropriately, especially non-muscle invasive types, the cure rate is high.
There is no standard population-wide screening, but urine cytology and cystoscopy are used in high-risk patients.
Why Choose Konkan Cancer Centre?
– Expert Uro-Oncologists & Onco-Surgeons
– Advanced Diagnostics including PET-CT, MRI & Cystoscopy
– State-of-the-art Surgical Infrastructure
– Multidisciplinary Tumor Board for Personalized Care
– Patient Support, Counseling & Post-Treatment Follow-Up
Book a Consultation
Don’t wait if you have symptoms or concerns about bladder cancer. Early diagnosis saves lives. Consult the expert team at Konkan Cancer Centre today for compassionate, advanced, and affordable care.
