Can bladder cancer be treated in its early stages?

Bladder cancer can be treated in its early stages, and the treatment is more effective. Treatments for early bladder cancer include surgery, drug therapy, and radiotherapy. Early detection and timely intervention are the key to improving the cure rate.

1. Surgery is the main treatment for early bladder cancer. Transurethral bladder tumor resection is the most common surgical method. The tumor is removed through an endoscope, which is less invasive and has a quick recovery. Some patients may need a partial cystectomy to remove the tumor and some surrounding bladder tissue. For patients with multiple tumors or high-risk patients, total cystectomy is an option, and urinary diversion surgery is required after surgery.

2. Drug therapy is often used as an adjuvant therapy for early bladder cancer. Intravesical instillation of chemotherapy drugs such as mitomycin C and doxorubicin can directly act on tumor cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Immunotherapy drugs such as BCG are also commonly used for intravesical instillation to inhibit tumor growth by activating the immune system. For high-risk patients, systemic chemotherapy such as cisplatin combined with gemcitabine can further consolidate the therapeutic effect.

3. Radiotherapy is rarely used in early bladder cancer, but it can be used as an alternative for patients who are not suitable for surgery. External radiotherapy kills tumor cells through high-energy rays and usually requires multiple treatments. For patients with local recurrence, radiotherapy can also be used as a salvage treatment.

The treatment effect of early bladder cancer is closely related to the tumor stage and grade. The 5-year survival rate of low-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer can reach more than 90%, while the prognosis of high-grade tumors is relatively poor. Regular review and follow-up are important components of early bladder cancer treatment, including cystoscopy, urine cytology and imaging examinations.

The key to the treatment of early bladder cancer is early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment. Patients should be vigilant and seek medical attention in time when they have symptoms such as hematuria, frequent urination and urgency. During the treatment process, they need to follow and cooperate to complete various examinations and treatments. Maintaining good living habits, such as quitting smoking, drinking plenty of water, and eating a balanced diet, can help reduce the risk of recurrence. Regular review and long-term follow-up are important measures to ensure the effectiveness of treatment.