Bladder Cancer Treatment 

Bladder cancer happens when abnormal cells start growing uncontrollably in the bladder. The bladder is a hollow, balloon-shaped organ in your lower belly. Its main job is to store urine, which your kidneys produce.

The cancer usually starts in the cells lining the inside of the bladder, called urothelial cells. These cells come into contact with waste products in urine, so they’re more likely to get damaged over time. If these damaged cells multiply too much, it can result in bladder cancer.

Types of Bladder Cancer

There are three main types of bladder cancer you should know about:

1. Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) – Around 90% of cases fall into this category. It starts in the urothelial cells lining the bladder.

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma – This type makes up about 5% of cases and is linked to long-term bladder irritation, like from infections or urinary catheters.

3. Adenocarcinoma – Although rare (about 1% of cases), it forms in glands that produce mucus in the bladder.

Knowing the type of bladder cancer someone has is important because it guides treatment decisions.

Causes and Risk Factors

⇒ Smoking and Environmental Exposure

Smoking is the biggest cause of bladder cancer. Why? When you smoke, harmful chemicals enter your bloodstream. These chemicals are filtered out by the kidneys and end up in the bladder. Over time, these toxins can hurt the cells lining your bladder.

Other environmental factors, like being exposed to certain workplace chemicals, can raise your risk, too.

For example, people who work with dyes, leather, rubber, or paint are more at risk. If your job involves handling these materials often, protective measures are crucial.

⇒ Genetic and Lifestyle Influences

Sometimes, your family history can influence your chances of developing bladder cancer. If close relatives have had it, your risk might be higher. Genes that are passed down can make some people more likely to develop the disease.

Lifestyle also matters. For example, chronic bladder infections—which might happen if you need to use a catheter for a long time—can lead to constant irritation, increasing the risk of cancer.

Even the water you drink can be a factor. Water contaminated with arsenic, a harmful element, has been linked to bladder cancer.

Recognizing the Symptoms

⇒ Early Warning Signs

Bladder cancer has some telltale signs early on, and noticing them can make a huge difference. One of the most common symptoms is blood in the urine (hematuria). This might look like your urine is pink, orange, or reddish, but sometimes it’s so minor that only a lab test can detect it.

Other early signs include:

• • Needing to urinate more often than usual.
  • Feeling like you have to pee right away, even if your bladder isn’t full.
  • Pain or a burning sensation when urinating.
  • Discomfort in the pelvic area.

These symptoms aren’t always caused by bladder cancer. They can also happen with urinary tract infections or bladder stones. But if you notice anything unusual, it’s better to get it checked out.

⇒ When to See a Specialist?

If you see blood in your urine or if any of the symptoms above stick around, you should visit a Bladder Cancer Specialist in Pune as soon as possible. Specialists like urologists can figure out whether it’s bladder cancer or something else. The earlier cancer is caught, the better the chances of successful treatment.

How We Diagnose Bladder Cancer?

⇒Advanced Diagnostic Techniques

• • Urine Tests and Cytology

If bladder cancer is suspected, one of the simplest tests is checking your urine. Doctors will look for cancer cells under a microscope (this is called urine cytology). They might also test for certain markers that are common in bladder cancer.

• • Cystoscopy and Imaging Scans

A cystoscopy is a key tool for diagnosis. It’s a quick procedure where a thin tube with a camera is inserted into your bladder. This allows doctors to directly see any abnormal areas. If they spot suspicious tissue, they can take a biopsy (a small tissue sample) for further testing.

Imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds may also be used. These create detailed pictures of the bladder and other parts of your body to see if the cancer has spread.

⇒ Staging and Grading the Cancer

Once cancer is confirmed, doctors determine its stage and grade.

• • Staging tells us how much the cancer has grown. Is it just on the surface of the bladder? Or has it spread to nearby tissues or organs? Stages range from 0 (very early) to IV (advanced, metastatic cancer).
  • Grading looks at how abnormal the cancer cells are. High-grade cancers tend to grow faster and might be harder to treat, while low-grade ones grow more slowly.

This information helps Dr. Chirag Bhirud decide on the best treatment plan.

Comprehensive Treatment Options We Offer

⇒ Personalised Bladder Cancer Treatment Plans

At Dr. Chirag Cancer Care Clinic, we know everyone’s situation is different. That’s why we create customised treatment plans. These plans consider things like your overall health, the stage of the cancer, and your personal preferences.

1. Surgery (TURBT, Cystectomy)

Surgery is one of the most common ways to treat bladder cancer.

• • TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor) is used for early-stage cancers. The surgeon uses a tool inserted through the urethra to remove the tumor. There are no major incisions, and recovery is usually faster.
  • Cystectomy may be needed for more advanced cases. This involves removing part or all of the bladder. Doctors work with you to decide the best replacement option if the bladder is fully removed.

2. Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy

Chemotherapy involves using powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be given directly into the bladder (intravesical therapy) or through the bloodstream. This approach might be done before or after surgery.

Immunotherapy helps your own immune system fight the cancer. A common option for bladder cancer is a treatment called Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), which boosts immune activity inside the bladder.

⇒ Minimally Invasive and Targeted Therapies

For those looking to avoid invasive procedures, newer treatments might be an option. Robotic-assisted surgery allows for precise operations with smaller incisions.

Targeted therapies attack the cancer cells specifically, causing less harm to healthy tissue.

These advanced treatments are focused on improving recovery time and reducing side effects.

Why Choose Dr. Chirag Bhirud for Bladder Cancer Treatment?

⇒ Our Expert Multidisciplinary Team

Bladder cancer treatment takes a team, and we’ve got some of the best.

Urologists, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists work together to analyse your case from every angle.

This team effort ensures you’re getting the most effective care possible.

⇒ Patient-Centred Support and Recovery Plans

We don’t just treat cancer; we treat the whole person. We know this can be a scary time, so we’re here to support you both physically and emotionally.

Whether it’s counselling, support groups, or customised rehab plans after surgery, we’re by your side at every step.

Book your consultation today and let us help you fight bladder cancer with confidence.

👉 Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Chirag Bhirud Now

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