The National Cancer Institute
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There are several tests that can indicate whether or not you have bladder cancer, including a physical exam, urine tests, intravenous tests, and cystoscopies. If any of these have indicated a diagnosis of bladder cancer, here are the questions to ask your doctor about that diagnosis.
Follow-up care after treatment for bladder cancer is important. Scheduling regular recurrence tests and being diligent about follow-up appointments will help ensure that you're taking an active role in decreasing your bladder cancer risk.
Biological therapy for bladder cancer treatment can be highly effective, but can also often be accompanied by some side effects. If you're undertaking biological therapy, be prepared for possibly experience an urgent need to urinate, pain when urinating, nausea, a low fever, or chills.
Chemotherapy is a common bladder cancer treatment, but side effects vary from patient to patient. Because chemotherapy affects rapidly dividing cells in the body, including blood cells that help fight infection, chemotherapy patients should expect to become more prone to infection and to have less energy.
Radiation therapy is another form of bladder cancer treatment. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and tiredness. For some patients, radiation therapy can affect sexuality. However, most side effects are not permanent and are easily treated.
For bladder cancer treatment, surgery may be used in conjunction with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In a procedure called a cytectomy, all or part of the bladder is removed. Because several lifestyle changes may become necessary as a result, you'll want to thoroughly discuss with your doctor.
Bladder cancer treatment varies from patient to patient and can include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or biological therapy. Talk to your doctor about which bladder cancer treatment suits you best.
In bladder cancer treatment, the doctor develops a treatment plan to fit each patient's needs. Treatment depends on the type of bladder cancer, the stage of the disease, and the grade of the tumor. Find out what questions you should ask.
Getting a second opinion before undergoing your bladder cancer treatment is natural and encouraged. Though getting a second opinion may take a little extra time, the effectiveness of your bladder cancer treatment will likely not be effected.
Bladder cancer treatment generally begins a few weeks following the diagnosis. With the shock of a cancer diagnosis, it can be hard to concentrate on the treatment options before you. Bring a list of questions and a family member to help you navigate your treatment plan.
