Bladder Cancer Treatment

How bladder cancer is treated will depend on the type of bladder cancer, the stage, the tumor grade, and the person's age and general health. In general, treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biological therapy. Choosing the most appropriate treatment is a decision that ideally involves the affected person, the family, and the healthcare team.

Treating Bladder Cancer: An Overview

Bladder cancer treatment options vary based on:
 
  • The type of cancer (see Bladder Cancer Types).
     
  • The stage of the cancer (see Bladder Cancer Staging).
     
  • The tumor grade. (The grade tells how closely the cancer cells resemble normal cells and suggests how fast the cancer is likely to grow. Low-grade cancers are likely to grow and spread more slowly than high-grade cancers.)
     
  • The person's age and general health.
 

Remembering Questions and Answers

Many people with bladder cancer want to take an active part in making decisions about their medical care. They may want to learn all they can about bladder cancer and their treatment choices. However, the shock and stress after a bladder cancer diagnosis can make it hard to think of everything to ask the doctor. Some people find that it is helpful to make a list of questions before an appointment.
 
(Click Bladder Cancer Questions for a list of things to ask your healthcare provider.)
 
(Bladder Cancer Treatment Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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