The short answer
Early bladder cancer can often be removed through the urethra without major surgery, sometimes with medicine placed in the bladder. More advanced cancer may need surgery to remove the bladder, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.
Early bladder cancer can often be removed through the urethra without an incision.
Medicine placed directly in the bladder can help prevent early cancer from returning.
More advanced cancer may require surgery to remove part or all of the bladder.
Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are used for many bladder cancers.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Bladder cancer treatment depends on how deeply the cancer has grown. Early, surface tumors can often be removed without major surgery, while deeper cancers may need surgery to remove the bladder along with chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
Early cancer
Cancer on the surface of the bladder lining can often be removed through the urethra with a scope (a procedure called TURBT), without an outside incision. Medicine placed directly in the bladder may follow to lower the chance the cancer returns.
Early bladder cancer can often be removed without removing the bladder.
More advanced cancer
Cancer that has grown into the bladder wall may require surgery to remove part or all of the bladder, often with chemotherapy before or after. Immunotherapy is also used for some bladder cancers.
A plan built for you
Your team chooses treatment based on how deeply the cancer has grown and whether it has spread. Ask about the goals of each option, side effects, and whether a clinical trial is an option.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸How is early bladder cancer treated?
Early bladder cancer that is on the surface of the bladder lining can often be removed through the urethra with a scope, without an outside incision. Medicine placed in the bladder may follow to lower the chance of return.
▸What if the cancer has grown deeper?
Cancer that has grown into the bladder wall may need surgery to remove part or all of the bladder, often with chemotherapy before or after.
▸Is immunotherapy used?
Yes. Immunotherapy, including medicine placed in the bladder or given through a vein, is used for some bladder cancers.
▸What guides the treatment choice?
How deeply the cancer has grown into the bladder wall, and whether it has spread, are the main factors guiding treatment.
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