Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biological therapy are often used to treat bladder cancer. This eMedTV resource provides an overview of these treatment options and explains the importance of proper nutrition and follow-up care.
Bladder cancer treatment by stage depends on where the individual case of cancer falls within the six stages of bladder cancer. This eMedTV page explains how bladder cancer treatment by stage may vary and discusses other factors affecting treatment.
As this eMedTV segment explains, surgery for bladder cancer can involve options such as transurethral resection (TUR), segmental cystectomy, and radical cystectomy. This article takes an in-depth look at these different types of surgery.
Also known as radiotherapy, radiation treatment for bladder cancer kills cancer cells by using high-energy rays. This eMedTV site discusses the two types of radiation treatment for bladder cancer: external radiation and internal radiation.
Bladder cancer chemotherapy uses one or more drugs to kill cancer cells in the bladder. This eMedTV resource describes how bladder cancer chemotherapy may be combined with other bladder cancer treatments, such as surgery or radiation treatment.
Biological treatment for bladder cancer is most often used after a transurethral resection for superficial bladder cancer. This eMedTV Web page discusses biological treatment for bladder cancer and its possible side effects.
This eMedTV article explains how BCG bladder cancer treatment is often combined with biological therapy. BCG is a solution containing weakened bacteria that stimulate the immune system to kill cancer cells and prevent the cancer from coming back.
As this eMedTV selection explains, alternative treatments for bladder cancer may include acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal products, and vitamins. This article offers an in-depth look at these and other alternative treatment options.
Bladder cancer support groups can help people cope with the disease and the effects of treatment. This eMedTV article discusses people who may provide bladder cancer support, such as counselors, social workers, and members of the clergy.
Bladder cancer pain may result from a tumor pressing against nerves and organs or as a side effect of treatment. This eMedTV article highlights the three main treatments for bladder cancer pain: medication, radiation, and nerve blocks.
It can be difficult for people to remember all the bladder cancer questions they wish to ask their doctor. This eMedTV Web page provides lists of bladder cancer questions about issues such as surgery, chemotherapy, and other treatment options.
The overall 5-year relative bladder cancer survival rate for 1995 to 2001 was 81.8 percent. This portion of the eMedTV library provides statistics about bladder cancer survival rates broken down by gender and race.
