Treatment for bladder cancer depends upon the type of cancer and whether it is superficial or invasive. Most bladder cancers are superficial and are usually removed using a device that is passed into the bladder through a cystoscope. Superficial tumours tend to recur so cystoscopy checkups every few months are often required. A technique known as photodynamic therapy, which uses a special dye, has greatly improved the ability to detect recurrences. The dye is inserted into the bladder two hours before a cystoscopy and is only absorbed by cancerous cells, which become fluorescent and so easily visible.
Sometimes chemotherapy drugs are used to "wash out" the bladder after a lesion has been removed. The drugs are introduced into the bladder using a fine tube called a catheter. The treatment is usually given weekly for 6-8 weeks. Immunotherapy is another treatment for superficial bladder cancers and involves the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. The BCG vaccine (normally used to prevent tuberculosis) has been shown to be effective for treating some superficial bladder cancers.
Invasive tumours can be treated with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which can be used alone, or in combination. Surgery may be needed to remove the affected part of the bladder and can often be done through a cystoscope. Rarely, more major surgery to remove the whole bladder is required. A reconstruction of the bladder may be undertaken using other tissues or artificial materials.
