Can you detect and cure bladder cancer early in men at 65?

Question

Hi doctor,

My uncle, who is 65, has been noticing blood in his urine for the past few weeks, but he says there is no pain. He also has to urinate more often, especially at night. The doctor is now checking for bladder cancer. What are the early signs we should look out for? How is bladder cancer diagnosed? Do they use a scan or a scope? If it is caught early, is it treatable? Does it spread fast, and what treatments are used?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Signs of bladder cancer are:

Hematuria (early sign).
Frequent urination.
Urgency to urinate.
Nocturia (frequent urination at night).
Burning sensation during urination.

Yes, early-stage bladder cancer (non-muscle invasive) is very treatable. Success rates are high with early, proper treatment and follow-up.

Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC): Confined to the inner layers of the bladder (stages Ta, T1, or CIS). Often treated with TURBT followed by intravesical therapy (e.g., BCG or chemotherapy directly into the bladder).
Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC): Has grown into the bladder muscle.

More aggressive treatment required: Surgery (removal of bladder), chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination.

Investigations:

Urinalysis and urine cytology- Checks for blood and abnormal cells in urine. Cystoscopy (most direct method)- A thin tube with a camera is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to look for tumors or suspicious areas.
CT urogram or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): These visualize the kidneys, ureters, and bladder for tumors, blockages, or spread.
Ultrasound: Less detailed results.
Biopsy or transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) - The doctor removes part or all of the suspicious area for analysis. This procedure also helps stage the cancer.

Treatment:

1. Surgical Treatment:

TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumor): For superficial tumors.
Radical cystectomy: Removal of the bladder if the cancer is muscle-invasive.
Intravesical therapy BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) therapy: Boosts immune response.

2. Systemic chemotherapy is used if the cancer is invading muscle or metastatic. Cisplatin-based combinations can be used.

3. Immunotherapy for advanced cases.

4. Radiation therapy is sometimes used with chemo as bladder-preserving therapy. Overall, to summarize, at the early stages, bladder cancer can be cured with the help of the above-mentioned treatment options.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.