How is bladder cancer treated in a 63-year-old woman?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 63 years old and recently noticed blood in my urine. After evaluation, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. The doctors mentioned that it is muscle-invasive.

Does this mean I will need bladder removal surgery?
I am very scared about how this diagnosis and treatment may affect my daily life as a woman. Is chemotherapy alone enough to treat this condition, or is surgery always required?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

Regarding your diagnosis of bladder cancer, I understand that this can cause significant fear and anxiety. However, I would like to reassure you that several effective treatment options are available.

One option is surgical treatment, but this is often associated with significant side effects, poor urinary control, and a negative impact on quality of life. Because of these concerns, radical cystectomy, which involves the complete removal of the urinary bladder, is not always the preferred approach and may be unsatisfactory for many patients.

In this situation, we often prefer a bladder preservation strategy. This typically includes chemotherapy followed by an extensive transurethral resection (a common, minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat urinary symptoms) of the bladder tumor, and then localized radiation therapy to the pelvis. This approach can provide reasonable cancer control, reduce the risk of metastasis (spread), and significantly improve quality of life by allowing you to retain your bladder and avoid the complications of major surgery.

This is an option I prefer and frequently recommend, especially for patients who do not wish to undergo surgery, as it can provide excellent outcomes.

Please plan a follow-up after one week. I hope this explanation helps you in making the right decision. I would also like to reassure you that you have nothing to fear. New treatment modalities are being developed every day that continue to improve survival and quality of life for patients with cancer.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.