How long do they live after bladder removal? Removal (cystectomy) of the bladder

Oncology is the pathology with the highest mortality during and after the disease. Despite the constant improvement of medicine, mortality statistics are not encouraging.

Approximately 3% of oncological diseases occur in the genitourinary system and bladder cancer. Most often, this disease can affect older men (60-80 years old). Women get sick less often and have a higher cure rate.

If bladder cancer is diagnosed in men, survival depends on the stage of the disease; in women the picture is identical. If you look at the tumor from the inside, it looks like a small growth that is located on the inner or outer part of the walls of the bladder. The peculiarity of the disease is that it is very difficult to cure completely. Even after the cancer is completely removed with chemotherapy and surgery, the percentage that it will appear again within a few years is very high. Therefore, patients who consult a doctor are interested in the question: how long do they live with bladder cancer?

Life expectancy after a disappointing diagnosis depends directly on the individual testimony of each person:

• Oncology degree;
• Test results;
• Age;
• Heredity;
• Lifestyle;
• Bad habits;
• The depth of penetration of cancer cells into the tissues of the organ.

The risky list includes:

• Men working in the industry with ammonia derivatives.
• Smokers.
• People in whose family there was a similar deviation.
• Men and women who often suffer from cystitis, inflammation of the bladder, and infections in it.
• Patients with papilloma virus.

Doctors define 4 stages of the disease (I-IV)

I – initial stage, affects the inner layers of the lining of the bladder. In most cases it is treated with surgery. Chemotherapy and immunity boosting therapy are used as an adjunct. Thanks to early contact with a doctor, the statistics that the patient will live for at least another 5-7 years is more than 96%.

II – penetration of diseased cells into the muscle tissue of the bladder is observed. Transurethral resection in combination with radiation and chemotherapy gives a good prognosis. After treatment, more than 70% of those who applied have a chance of recovery.

III—spread of mutating cells beyond the bladder to other organs and muscle tissue of the abdomen. In addition to the operation, the patient is prescribed courses of chemotherapy, not only before, but also after the procedure. Sometimes the bladder has to be completely removed. The probability of living for 5 years after the course is approximately 50%.

IV—the last stage is the most difficult for recovery. The spread of the tumor throughout the body and penetration into the lymph nodes. The operation is contraindicated. Treatment consists of drugs that slow down the growth of cancer cells. For such patients there is an opportunity to help science conduct experiments. Allowing you to use experimental procedures on yourself. This may be their last chance for recovery. Not many people (less than 5%) with this stage live more than 5 years.

Signs of illness

The first symptoms you should pay attention to are the presence of blood in the urine. The more concentrated it is, the darker it is. Other symptoms are similar to those of cystitis. Frequent and painful urination. Sharp and prolonged pain in the lower abdomen. Burning sensation and spasmodic attacks of the bladder.

Lower back pain. Don’t panic right away, because it could be a normal inflammation. It is necessary to consult a doctor and do the appropriate tests. There have been cases in medical practice when bladder cancer was detected only during a routine medical examination and had not manifested itself in any way before.

Medical examination

To compile a complete medical history, the doctor will write directions for blood and urine tests. Prescribe an ultrasound (transcutaneous, transurethral and abdominal) If the tumor has reached a size of 5 mm or more, the probability of its detection is 82%. To get a more accurate answer, the doctor uses cystoscopy.

The result is 99% correct. The most effective analysis is to identify tumor markers in the patient’s urine. In oncology they are present 100%. If bladder cancer is discovered in men, the question arises: what is the survival rate for this diagnosis? It all depends on the stage and spread of metastases.

With progressive disease, metastases can spread not only to the bladder tissue, but also to nearby organs, as well as to the lymph nodes. Due to relapses of bladder cancer, the patient, even after complete recovery, must undergo regular examinations by a doctor and undergo tests. Recurrence of bladder cancer can occur several more times in the same person.

Lead a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy foods, exercise. After all, prevention is always easier than cure. Be healthy!

Informative video

Bladder cancer is a common cancer that is more often diagnosed in men. In medical practice, there are two main types of pathology: invasive and non-invasive forms. In the first case, the disease is characterized by the occurrence of a malignant neoplasm, which progresses rapidly; the non-invasive form in the bladder predominantly has a benign course. But even a “mild” type of the disease requires constant monitoring by a specialist, as it can develop into a dangerous form.

Basic information about the disease, such as survival rate, treatment and diagnostic methods, factors provoking the disease, is given in the article.

Risk group

It is currently not possible to identify specific causes of the disease. It is also unknown why one person, seemingly completely healthy and leading a healthy lifestyle, can suddenly develop cancer, while another does not experience the appearance of tumors of various types, although he has bad habits and concomitant pathologies.

The following factors increase the likelihood of being diagnosed with bladder cancer:

• presence of bad habits: nicotine and alcohol addiction;
• unfavorable heredity: cases of cancer in close relatives;
• contact with certain chemical compounds: benzene, aniline, dyes and solvents;
• the presence of congenital pathologies of the bladder;
• frequent physical or emotional stress;
• improper (irrational) nutrition, frequent consumption of too fatty or fried foods;
• the patient's history of chemotherapy or radiotherapy;
• chronic diseases of the urinary system.

The effect of HPV (human papillomavirus) on the likelihood of cancer localized in the bladder is currently being studied. Scientific research proves the existence of a connection between these two pathologies. Thus, papillomas in the bladder are considered and must be removed.

Prevalence of cancer

Bladder cancer in men (survival depends on the nature of the tumor) is more common in late middle and old age. About 3-6% of all tumors of a benign or malignant nature, upon detailed diagnosis, turn out to be bladder cancer. Every year, doctors diagnose about 300 new cases of the disease, half of which result in the death of the patient.

Clinical picture of oncology

What are the symptoms and prognosis of bladder cancer in men? Survival and symptoms of tumor development in the body are closely related, i.e., the expected prognosis also depends on the severity of the cancer. In the early stages, any ailments may be completely absent, and the first characteristic symptom in the clinical picture of cancer is hematuria - the appearance of bloody impurities in the urine. Hematuria can be a sign of some other inflammatory processes and chronic diseases, so its origin must be confirmed by laboratory tests and medical diagnostics.

Bladder cancer in men (survival largely depends on the severity of the clinical picture) has the following symptoms:

• difficulty or frequent urination, other disorders of the mechanism of urination;
• swelling in the groin area;
• intense and ongoing pain in the area where the pelvic organs are concentrated and in the side of the abdomen;
• anemia;
• general deterioration of health, weakness, sleep disturbances and loss of appetite.

Against the background of cancer, the following may occur: pyelonephritis, cystitis, chronic renal failure and other concomitant diseases of the urinary and digestive systems.

Bladder cancer in men (survival rate, consequences can be very severe, even death) of the fourth degree is characterized by numerous dysfunctions of internal organs. Intense pain occurs in the affected area, the amount of blood in the urine increases significantly, anemia appears, and a large number of blood clots appear on the inner surface of the affected organ. The latter can cause frequent bleeding.

Metastases are possible (especially in the later stages) in pathologies such as bladder cancer in men. The survival rate of metastases is significantly reduced, since they are a serious complication.

Methods for detecting cancer

The severity of the clinical picture, stage and presence of complications determine bladder cancer in men and survival. Diagnosis for each stage of development may vary. The following main methods of detecting oncology are practiced:

• visual examination and initial questioning of the patient: the doctor will find out complaints, ask about lifestyle and heredity, and study the medical history;
• laboratory urine analysis: the presence of proteins that are characteristic of malignant tumors, the number of red blood cells and infectious agents are determined;
• cystoscopy: examination of the bladder by inserting a special medical device into the urethra;
• biopsy: the most informative method that allows you to determine the presence and nature of the formation with 100% probability;
• Ultrasound, MRI and computed tomography: imaging methods help determine the size of the tumor and the extent of its spread;
• radiography with a contrast agent: the purpose of the procedure is to determine the extent of penetration of the disease into the walls of the organ.

To assess the spread of the disease, additional studies may be prescribed at the discretion of the attending physician.

It is very important to seek qualified medical help at the first alarming symptoms. Even with a successful combination of circumstances (if cancer is not diagnosed), difficulty urinating, the appearance of blood in the urine and pain can be signs of quite serious acute inflammatory processes or chronic diseases of the excretory system.

Treatment methods

In case of cancer (bladder cancer in men), basic treatment methods can improve survival significantly if therapy is carried out in a timely manner. Methods for stopping a tumor can be the following: radical (surgical), chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The choice of treatment method largely depends on the nature and speed of the disease. So, for example, in the fourth case, even surgical intervention often turns out to be ineffective, and all the actions of doctors are aimed at alleviating the patient’s condition.

Surgical intervention

Therapy for a disease called bladder cancer in men (survival rate for early detection of pathology is quite high) involves surgical excision of the tumor, metastases, or the organ itself. The treatment method is indicated at any stage of the disease, except the fourth - in advanced cases, the disease has most likely already affected many organs and systems, which makes surgical intervention impractical or even life-threatening for the patient.

The volume and method of the operation are purely individual. For example, removal of a small tumor in the early stages (with timely diagnosis of the disease) most often gives a positive result, and the patient recovers; at the second or third stage, complete removal of the damaged organ may be indicated.

Radiation: chemotherapy and radiotherapy

The diagnosis of bladder cancer in men involves chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Chemotherapy treatment significantly increases survival rate; it also reduces the risk of relapses and is the most effective method of stopping cancer that has spread to other organ systems.

Radiation therapy is more often used to reduce the size of the emerging tumor, which makes further surgical intervention possible. The treatment method also helps with bleeding. Radiotherapy reduces pain in bones with metastases.

Alleviating the patient's condition in later stages

Unfortunately, if stage IV cancer is diagnosed, most treatment methods that can significantly improve the prognosis are unavailable and will not bring the desired result. The only thing doctors can do is to somewhat alleviate the symptoms and improve the patient’s well-being with such a serious illness as bladder cancer in men.

Treatment methods in the third and fourth stages cannot improve survival; they are aimed at maintaining those body functions that are important for life: blood transfusion, plasmapheresis, blood purification; prevention of complications that directly threaten life is practiced. Timely pain relief therapy is also an important element.

Innovative treatment methods help reduce pain at the last stage of development of bladder cancer and prolong the patient’s life to a year or more.

Relapses of the disease

Compared to other bladder cancers in men (survival rate after surgery is about 50%), it is characterized by frequent relapses. Two to four months after excision of the tumor, and then regularly (based on the characteristics of the disease in a particular patient), preventive examinations are indicated.

The following factors increase the risk of relapse:

• large tumor size;
• excision of several tumors;
• non-compliance with the recommendations of the attending physician;
• unsystematic use of medications;
• late stage of cancer;
• being female.

Bladder cancer survival

What is the percentage of positive therapy when diagnosed with bladder cancer in men (survival rate)? The prognosis for diagnosing a tumor at the initial stage ranges from 50 to 80% of cases of positive completion of treatment; oncology of the third or fourth degree gives the worst indicators: about 15-20%. We are talking about patient survival for sixty months after therapy. After successful treatment of stage zero cancer, when the tumor itself is not yet present, but individual abnormal cells are detected, the survival rate is a record 90-95%.

Women are generally worse off than men. The prognosis also depends on the patient’s age: if we talk about average survival, then after eighty years of age this figure is 35-40%. The picture is not encouraging, given the average positive outcome for oncology of the urinary system, which is 77%.

Survival is affected by the presence and location of metastases. If the cancer metastasizes to parts of the lymphatic system near the bladder, then the value is approximately 30%; with foci of pathology in distant organs, survival rate decreases to 10-12%.

The best results, as a rule, can be achieved when cancer is detected in the early stages, immediate initiation of treatment and an integrated approach to therapy. Despite the relatively low survival rates, the disease can and should be fought. This will help to significantly increase the length and quality of life of the patient.

Disease prevention

The priority areas of prevention are the elimination of factors that provoke diseases. If it is impossible to fight unfavorable heredity, then it is quite possible to improve your own lifestyle. Basic preventive measures include:

• decisive fight against nicotine and alcohol addiction;
• minimizing (or even better, completely eliminating) contacts with hazardous chemical compounds;
• providing your own body with the necessary amount of vitamins and microelements, correcting your diet;
• elimination of unsystematic use of medications;
• drinking plenty of clean water (at least 2 liters per day).

In case of bladder cancer in men, survival rate increases markedly if the tumor is diagnosed in the early stages.

Every person is worried about the question: “What is my prognosis?” and “How long do people live with bladder cancer?” The doctor can't predict or predict your future, however, it can give a prognosis and estimate life expectancy for bladder cancer based on average statistics. Indicators are calculated based on long-term results monitoring hundreds and thousands of patients with bladder cancer.

The prognosis and life expectancy for bladder cancer depends on many factors:

• Stages and grades of bladder cancer;
• Patient's age;
• Presence of concomitant diseases;
• Level of medical care;
• Choice of treatment method, etc.

What is survivability?

Survival rate reflects the percentage of patients surviving from diagnosis to a specific time. Typically, statistics take into account one-year, five-year and ten-year survival rates. For example, five year survival rate reflects the percentage of patients who lived more than five years after their bladder cancer was diagnosed.

Index relative survival takes into account the fact that some patients may die from diseases other than bladder cancer. Therefore, the survival rate of patients with a tumor is compared with that calculated for people without cancer.

The relative five-year survival rate for bladder cancer is on average 77.5%.

However, you should not rely on this indicator, since life expectancy for bladder cancer depends on many factors, and first of all, on the stage and degree of the tumor process, damage to the lymph nodes, and the presence of CIS (carcinoma in situ).

Survival also depends on the age of the patient; the older the person, the lower the survival rate. Unfortunately, women also have worst prognosis, compared to men.

Let's give an example of statistical data on five-year survival depending on age and gender.

Risk of cancer progression, i.e. its spread deep into the wall of the bladder and nearby organs and the development of metastases primarily depends on the degree of the tumor process. At first degree the risk of progression is 2-4%, with the second 5-7%, and with the third 33-64%. The progression of the cancer process significantly worsens the prognosis of the disease for the patient.

Prognosis of cancer in situ

Stage T1 papillary tumor associated with squamous carcinoma has a poor prognosis. It is characterized by a high relapse rate of 63-92% and rapid progression with damage to the muscular layer of the bladder in 50-75% of cases.

Prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder

Unlike other types of bladder cancer, tumor stage is not an important prognostic factor in this case. Thus, the five-year survival rate for squamous cell bladder cancer at the stage T1 is 56%, and T2 stages are 68%. For stages T3 and T4 the figure is 19%.

The morphological characteristics of the tumor and its grade are of great importance in the prognosis. The five-year survival rate for grade 1 is 62%, for grade 2 it is 52%, and for grade 3 only 35%.

Prognosis of small cell bladder cancer

For patients with small cell bladder cancer, the diagnosis of the tumor is usually in late stages. Therefore, they have an unfavorable prognosis and their life expectancy is short. The average life expectancy is 1.7 years. And the five-year survival rate for the stage I, II and III are 64%, 15% and 11% respectively.

To calculate the risk of recurrence and progression of bladder cancer in the early stages, the European Association of Urology has developed a special scale, which you can find in the article “Recurrence of bladder cancer”.

The patient is transferred to the intensive care ward, where he regains consciousness and his condition returns to normal.

Postoperative period for cystectomy (patient care)

Doctors relieve pain or discomfort with medications. For many patients, an epidural is given; for others, medications are given as needed. In some cases, the patient remains in the intensive care unit for a longer period of time.

After a cystectomy, monitors and drains are connected to the patient. Sample list:

1. Oxygen. The oxygen supply lasts 1-2 days, depending on the person’s condition. The nurse checks your oxygen levels and vital signs every 4 hours.
2. Nasogastric tube. It is placed during surgery through the nose and into the stomach. A tube is used to drain the stomach contents to heal and restore the intestines. The probe is inside for 5-7 days. Sometimes there is a sore throat and dry mouth. During this time, the patient does not eat or drink anything. The probe is removed when the intestines return to normal.
3. Central venous catheter. Intravenous infusion nourishes the body during this period. The fluid enters a large vein, often in the neck-chest area through a catheter. It is placed during surgery and is used for IVs, administering medications, blood transfusions, and taking blood samples.
4. Patient-controlled analgesia. A small pump containing a supply of pain medication prescribed by the doctor is attached to the IV. The pump is adjusted so that the patient can press a button when feeling pain. To quickly relieve symptoms, a small amount of medication enters the bloodstream.
5. Sequential compression devices. A sleeve is placed around each leg. It is connected to a pump that pumps air through different parts of the sleeve, creating pressure around the calves. Pressure accelerates the movement of blood through the vessels, preventing the formation of blood clots. These devices are worn at night and during the day, except when the patient leaves the bed and begins to walk.
6. An incentive spirometer is a device for maintaining lung health after surgery. The nurse teaches how to use it. As a result, the risk of lung infection and/or difficulty breathing is reduced.
7. The Hemovacs drainage device speeds up wound healing by removing excess fluid. A drainage tube is placed during the cystectomy and secured with stitches. Typically, two tubes are used, which are removed before discharge.

Drinking plenty of fluids will be possible when bowel function is restored. Returning to food and fluid intake early may result in nausea and vomiting. Bowel movement will be possible in a few days, when the function of the organ is restored.

It is important to start sitting and walking the very next day after surgery. This prevents serious complications - the development of pneumonia and the formation of blood clots in the legs. Nurses and physical therapists help patients.

Before discharge, patients are prescribed analgesics and medications to prevent constipation, a side effect of painkillers. Some patients are prescribed antibiotics.

Five days after surgery, the histology results come back, the patient is almost always in the hospital at this time. Based on the results obtained, options for further treatment are discussed.

2-3 weeks after discharge, the patient visits the clinic for a post-operative check-up. Even after surgery, ongoing monitoring is required to ensure that the disease does not return.

However, if the following symptoms occur, you should immediately consult a doctor:

• You have pain or swelling in your legs, sudden chest pain, or shortness of breath.
• Redness, pain, and a feeling of heat appeared at the incision site.
• Fever.
• Severe nausea or vomiting.

Research has shown that the use of certain herbs may cause complications in people following surgery. It is important to pay attention to the following types of plants:

• Ephedra.
• Echinacea.
• Feverfew.
• Garlic.
• Ginger.
• Ginseng.
• Goldnesil.
• Ginkgo biloba.
• Kava-kava.
• Liquorice.
• St. John's wort.
• Valerian.
• Vitamin E.
• With Palmetto.

Herbs can have the following effects:

• change or prolong the effects of drugs used in anesthesia;
• affect bleeding or clotting;
• affect your blood pressure or interact with medications used during surgery.

In many cases, it is best to stop taking herbal medicines 2-3 weeks before surgery.

Find out the cost of treatment

Possible complications after bladder removal for cancer

This is a serious operation. The patient may not experience any of the complications listed below. You should be aware that worldwide, when undergoing radical cystectomy, there is a 60% chance that one of the following consequences will occur. Doctors are making every effort to reduce the risk of complications.

General consequences of bladder removal in men and women:

1. The colon will very slowly return to normal after surgery, requiring the temporary insertion of a nasogastric tube. Sometimes this lasts for several months.
2. Loss of erectile function in men. Often, a cystectomy removes nerves that are essential for erections.
3. Dry ejaculation in men, which does not mean loss of orgasm.
4. Reduction in the size of the vagina in women, which makes sexual intercourse difficult. Reduces the likelihood of achieving orgasm.
5. Cancer may not be cured by removing the bladder alone.
6. Development of infection in the intestines or wound.
7. Blood loss.

Rare complications after bladder removal for cancer:

• Problems with anesthesia, lungs and heart, which will require a stay in intensive care (respiratory tract infections, heart attack, stroke).
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs.
• Decrease in liver function over time.
• Diarrhea.
• Narrowing of the ureter at the junction with the intestine.
• Recurrence of cancer in the preserved urethra.
• Increased acid levels in the blood, which will require treatment.
• Vitamin deficiency.

Very rare consequences of bladder removal surgery:

• The need for another surgical intervention.
• Urine leakage.
• Damage to the intestines, large blood vessels and nerves.
• Intestinal injury requiring a bypass.

Rehabilitation after bladder removal

It is important to remain physically active even during recovery. Daily walks will speed up recovery, reduce depression, and increase muscle tone. It takes approximately six weeks for the operated area to completely heal. During this period, heavy and strenuous exercises and excessive walking on stairs are contraindicated. It will be possible to drive a car 3-4 weeks after a cystectomy if the patient feels well and does not take any over-the-counter pain medications.

Is a special diet required after bladder removal?

What kind of help and support can a patient expect in Assuta?

At the clinic, the patient will be given instructions on how to care for catheters and stents. If an ostomy is being created, the nurse will provide instruction and education.

Radical cystectomy and reconstructive surgery are a serious challenge. Support is available at the clinic to help a person cope with the situation and its impact on life. A psychologist is part of a team of doctors working with a patient.

Questions for the doctor

These questions are useful when talking with a specialist about the disease - bladder cancer and radical cystectomy:

1. Will treatment be continued after the operation?
2. What are the risks of surgery?
3. Are there any side effects of surgery?

These tips will help you keep track of the information that is discussed during your visits:

1. You need to make a list of questions that the patient wants to ask the specialist.
2. You can invite a friend or family member to accompany the patient and provide moral support.
3. The patient or caregiver should take notes during the visit to the doctor.

Get a treatment program

Among all the organs of the genitourinary system of the male body, the bladder is most often susceptible to any damage. Bladder cancer in men is caused by foreign cells growing at an unnatural rate. It is quite easy to treat; it only requires early diagnosis of the pathology.

General information

Bladder cancer is a pathology associated with the development of a malignant formation on the walls of the organ. The development of pathology begins in the epithelial layer that lines the inside of the organ. As a rule, it is possible to detect a tumor before it grows into the muscle layer. In addition to the bladder, metastases of a malignant tumor can penetrate into other organs. Therefore, it is very important to begin treatment immediately after detecting a tumor.

Malignant formations of the bladder are a disease of old age. Among all cases of cancer, urinary malignancy ranks 5th. And there is a sharp line of incidence according to gender characteristics. It occurs 4 times more often in men than in women. The average age limit for cancer incidence is 60 years, but this limit rises every year.

Classification

Depending on which cells are affected by the neoplasm, the disease is divided into the following types:

• Malignant formation of the transitional cell class. 90% of all diseases are caused by it.
• Squamous cell tumor. It ranks second in frequency of occurrence. The main reason for its development is chronic cystitis.
• Adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, carcinoma and others are quite rare, but it is not recommended to completely exclude them when making a diagnosis.

Reasons and factors

In men who have the bad habit of smoking, the risk of developing bladder cancer increases greatly.

Scientists and doctors are still working to identify the main causes that cause the development of cancer cells. To date, factors have been identified that increase the risk of developing cancer. They are as follows:

• Smoking. This bad habit ranks first among the factors predisposing to the development of malignant tumors. Cigarette smoke contains a large amount of chemicals that are processed and end up in the urine. Thus, they affect the mucous layer of the bladder.
• Industrial hazard. Long-term work with chemicals: dye, solvent, aniline and others.
• Chronic course of urinary tract diseases: cystitis, schistosomatosis, urolithiasis.
• Radiotherapy. Radiation exposure during treatment of the pelvic organs can provoke the growth of malignant cells in the bladder.
• Heredity. This factor is not the main one, but it cannot be completely excluded. Hereditary transmission of genes can create a genetic predisposition to malignant pathology.

Stages of the disease

The development of the stage of bladder cancer depends on the depth of the malignant process:

• Zero stage. At this stage, cancer cells can be detected directly in the bladder; there is no penetration into the walls of the organ yet. The prognosis for positive treatment is 100% with timely diagnosis and elimination of predisposing factors.
• Stage 1. The lesion affects the mucous membrane. There may be no symptoms. Cells grow at a rapid pace. With timely diagnosis, the chances of recovery are high.
• Stage 2. The malignant formation moves into the muscle layer, but there is no complete germination yet. The chance of recovery is about 60%. There are two phases of development, stage 2:
  • 2A. The inner layer of muscles is affected, cells grow within them.
  • 2 B. The outer muscle layer is affected.
• Stage 3. Ingrowth occurs into the surface layer and the fatty membrane is affected. The probability of stopping the growth of cancer cells is 20%. There are 2 substages:
  • 3A. Cancer cells have grown into the surface layer, but they can only be detected under a microscope.
  • 3 B. The neoplasm is visible on the outer wall of the organ.
• Stage 4. The last, difficult stage. The neoplasm affects neighboring organs, grows into lymph nodes, and affects the pelvic bones. The patient experiences severe pain and blood in the urine. It is impossible to achieve a positive result when internal organs are damaged. Treatment is aimed at alleviating the patient's condition.

Symptoms of cancer

Cancerous tumors are characterized by the fact that in the initial stages they do not show any signs.

Stage 1 bladder cancer may have no characteristic signs. An important point in such a situation is for a person to listen to his feelings. Any changes in daily processes are important (for example, discomfort when urinating) and become the basis for instrumental diagnostics.

In the case when oncology goes through the first stages of development, specific and nonspecific symptoms of bladder cancer appear. Specific (local) signs include:

• pain when emptying the bladder;
• feeling of a full bladder (not completely emptied);
• pain on palpation of the lower abdomen;
• blood in urine.

General signs:

• prostration;
• general weakness;
• weight loss (especially over a short period of time).

Diagnosis of bladder cancer in men

Since there may be no symptoms of the disease at the initial stages of development, if the slightest changes in general health occur, you should consult a doctor. Laboratory and instrumental methods occupy the first place in making a diagnosis. Diagnosis of bladder cancer is impossible without the following procedures:

• General urine analysis. It is checked for the presence of blood, leukocytes and proteins, which indicates an inflammatory process.
• Biochemical blood test for tumor markers.
• Urine cytology. A microscope is used to check the urine for the presence of cancer cells.
• Ultrasound. The fastest and easiest research method. It is used for initial and repeat examinations. This method allows us to examine the localization of the tumor on the surface walls of the organ and inside.
• Cytoscopy. Examination of the internal surface of an organ is an effective method for diagnosis and further treatment. A cystoscope is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. A camera is attached to the end of the device, which shows a clear picture of what is happening. If neoplasms are detected, material is taken for a biopsy.
• Biopsy. A histological examination of the bladder tissue is carried out. The method allows you to highly accurately confirm (refute) the diagnosis and establish the type of cancer.
• CT. X-rays help to scan the entire organs being examined.

The integrated use of diagnostic methods provides the maximum information necessary to establish a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Conservative therapy

If, after the diagnosis, the localization of cancer cells in the mucosa is confirmed, the neoplasm is considered superficial. Then treatment of bladder cancer in men is carried out non-surgically. Conservative treatment is carried out at stages 0 and 1 of the disease, until characteristic symptoms appear. Conservative treatment includes: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy.

Chemotherapy, as a method of conservative treatment, is intended to stop the growth of cancer cells or eliminate them.

Previously, this method of conservative treatment was considered ineffective and was carried out only as an auxiliary one. Recently, about 15 chemotherapy drugs have been developed that have a positive effect (Cisplatin, Adriamycin, Vinblasin and others). Medicines are administered both directly into the organ, the lymphatic system, and intra-arterially. Intravesical chemotherapy is used after surgery. There is a high risk of side effects.

Radiation therapy

It is used extremely rarely as an independent treatment. Radiation therapy for bladder cancer is used if surgery is not possible. It is used much less frequently for preventive purposes. After radiation therapy, the tumor decreases in size, making surgery easier.

Immunotherapy

Intracavitary administration of immunomodulators is used: BCG vaccine and Interferon. Effective in the early stages of the disease. The absence of resumption of pathology after therapy reaches 70%. The higher the stage of the pathology, the lower the effectiveness of therapy. Immunotherapy is contraindicated in patients with any active form of tuberculosis.

Trichopolum in the treatment of cancer

This comprehensive method is based on the biochemical theory of cancer, which is being studied by scientists around the world. It says that cancer cells are caused by Trichomonas fungi. During treatment, specialists pay attention to the neoplasm itself, but no one deals with the fungal infection. Scientists are convinced that it is the use of the drug “Trichopol” together with the acidic environment created in the body that will help get rid of cancer cells forever.

Scientists are convinced that cancer cells are caused by Trichomonas fungi, so the use of the drug Trichopolum is effective.

Such treatment can most likely be attributed to traditional medicine. Doctors have proven that this medicine does not treat fungal diseases. And repeated studies have shown that cancer cells are mutated native cells of the body. It follows that the use of metronidazole in the treatment of malignant neoplasms is ineffective.

Cancer surgery

As a rule, the treatment of a malignant neoplasm that has arisen in the wall of an organ on its mucous membrane is approached in a comprehensive manner. Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The type of operation to remove the bladder in men depends on the degree of development of the malignant process. The following types of operations are used in modern medical practice:

• Transurethral resection. Used for small tumors. The affected area of ​​the organ is removed, adjacent tissues are cauterized with a laser.
• Partial cystectomy. In case of progressive disease, but in the absence of metastases, partial removal of the organ along with the affected area is used.
• Radical cystectomy. Deep tissue resection is expected. The use of surgery is used when metastases are detected in the bladder or the disease is advanced. The operation is complex and there is a high risk of heavy blood loss.
• Reconstruction. The bladder is completely removed. The task of doctors after removal of the bladder for cancer is to create a natural drainage of urine: an artificial reservoir, urostomy.

What type of bladder surgery will be chosen depends only on the diagnosis. To avoid wasting time, it must be timely.