Bladder cancer with the localization of the tumor on the inner membranes of the organ without penetration of the neoplasm deep into the muscle tissue and on neighboring organs is quite easily treated in clinics in Israel with a high probability of complete recovery – up to 90%. The main task of the patient is not to delay the treatment of this relatively simple, but also dangerous cancer.
Risk factors
The majority of cases of bladder malignancies occur in male patients which are mostly older than 40 years. However, this type of cancer affects also women and young people, especially if at least one of the specific risk factors is present.
- Chronic inflammatory processes in the bladder (cystitis, parasites, schistosomiasis, etc.).
- Smoking. According to statistics, more than half of patients with bladder cancer are smokers. The link between carcinogens in tobacco smoke and the development of this type of cancer has been clinically proven.
- Hazardous production facilities and constant inhalation of industrial carcinogens.
Heredity is another common risk factor. If the family has already been repeatedly diagnosed with this cancer, it is necessary to periodically undergo a preventive examination by a urologist.
Symptoms of bladder cancer
In the first stages of the disease, the tumor practically does not make itself felt, except for a few symptoms.
- The presence of blood in the urine. This can be either blood visible to the naked eye, or blood cells detected during a urine test.
- Burning and other painful sensations upon urination.
- Frequent and more urgent urination than usual.
All this does not necessarily indicate cancer, but may be symptoms of relatively harmless inflammation in the bladder, urolithiasis, or prostate disorders. In any case, you should turn to urologist as soon as possible, to have time not to miss the stage, when bladder cancer can be eliminated almost painlessly for the patient.
Diagnostics
- Laboratory blood tests (CBC, biochemistry, immunohistochemical studies and cancer markers).
- Cytological examination of urine to search for cancer cells in it.
- Cystoscopy and, if necessary, biopsy of the bladder tissue right during the procedure.
- Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography (CT, MRI, and PET).
- Ultrasound examination (ultrasound).
Treatment of bladder cancer in Israel
The treatment course depends on the tumor stage. It may be focused only in the mucous membranes (non-invasive cancer) or deeply penetrated into the muscle tissue of the organ (invasive cancer). In the first case, surgeons use a minimally invasive method of transurethral surgery (TUR) using a resectoscope inserted into the urethra.
In more complex cases, laparoscopic methods of surgery are used in Israeli clinics. In extremely rare cases, when a multidiscipline team of surgeons, urologists, oncologists and radiologists make a decision to remove the bladder, an artificial container is created in the abdominal cavity to collect urine, which must be emptied through a catheter. Also, Israeli clinics practice modelling the bladder from part of the intestine which allows to preserve the natural way of urination.
Additionally, other methods of complex treatment of bladder cancer can be used:
- Radiation therapy.
- Gentle chemotherapy with a new generation of drugs.
- Targeted therapy.
- Immunotherapy (biotherapy).
In Israel, all conditions are created for complex high-precision diagnostics,
effective treatment and comfortable recovery after surgery and the course
chemotherapy of cancer patients from all over the world.