The Effective Treatments for Bladder Cancer in Elderly

Bladder cancer develops in the mucous lining of the bladder, a muscular structure in the pelvic region that collects and retains urine. Older males are more likely than women or younger men to have bladder cancer.

The majority of bladder malignancies are detected after they have spread extensively. This may increase the difficulty of treating bladder cancer in older persons, but if caught early and managed correctly, the prognosis is favorable.

Bladder Cancer Symptoms in Elderly 

The presence of blood in the urine commonly referred to as "hematuria," is one of the most common symptoms associated with bladder cancer. Hematuria can manifest in the form of visible blood in the urine or as microscopic blood that can only be detected through a urine test.

Other symptoms that may indicate the presence of bladder cancer include pain or discomfort during urination, frequent urination, and a strong sense of urgency to urinate. These symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well, but it is important to schedule an appointment with a healthcare physician if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

It is important to note that bladder cancer can often be asymptomatic in the early stages, which means that it may not present any noticeable symptoms. This is why regular check-ups and screenings are important, especially for those at high risk of developing the disease. If bladder cancer is caught early, treatment is more likely to be successful, and the prognosis is generally better.

A physical examination and a urine test are often the first steps used when attempting to diagnose bladder cancer. These tests look for blood and other abnormalities in the urine. Imaging tests such as a CT scan or an MRI could also be performed to verify the diagnosis and figure out the stage of the malignancy.

Bladder Cancer Treatments in Elderly

After it has been proved that a patient has bladder cancer, the available treatment choices will be determined by the patient's current stage of the disease and the patient's general state of health. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are the primary therapeutic modalities that are available for patients who have bladder cancer.

Yet, the treatment choices available to geriatric patients may vary somewhat according to the presence of coexisting health issues. In circumstances such as these, the medical practitioner may advise the patient to take a more cautious approach, such as observation, or choose a treatment modality that is less strenuous.

1. The transurethral resection of the bladder tumor, often known as the TURBT procedure, is a popular therapeutic option for bladder cancer at its early stage. It is a technique that causes very little discomfort and may be carried out under either general or spinal anesthesia.

During the operation, a scope will be put into the bladder via the urethra. A cutting instrument will then be used to remove the tumor from the bladder. In most cases, TURBT may be performed as an outpatient operation and does not need the patient to remain in the hospital. However, it is possible that following the operation, you can have certain consequences, such as bleeding, infection, or difficulties peeing.

2. Intravesical therapy is another alternative for patients with early-stage bladder cancer who are looking for treatment. In order to eradicate any cancer cells that could still be there, this therapy includes injecting medicine directly into the bladder.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), a kind of bacterium that may encourage the immune system to target cancer cells, is the drug that is used for this purpose the most often. Intravesical treatment is often performed following TURBT, and it may assist in lowering the likelihood of a recurrence occurs. It may take several weeks for the therapy to take effect, and there is a possibility that it may be accompanied by some unpleasant side effects, such as experiencing pain or discomfort during the process itself.

3. A radical cystectomy is a kind of surgical treatment that includes the removal of the whole bladder, in addition to the lymph nodes and other tissues that are located in the surroundings. Open surgery or laparoscopic surgery are both viable options for performing the procedure.

Patients who have invasive bladder cancer that has not responded to prior therapies or that have migrated to other regions of the body are often candidates for radical cystectomy. The surgical operation is linked with a significant risk of complications, and the recovery time might range anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

4. High-energy beams are used in radiation treatment, which kills cancer cells and causes tumors to shrink. It is possible to utilize it on its own or in conjunction with many other therapies. Radiation treatment is normally administered on the outside of the patient and involves the use of a machine that aims radiation beams toward the tumor being treated. It is possible for it to produce adverse effects like weariness, irritation of the skin, and even bowel and bladder issues in some people.

5. In order to eradicate cancer cells, a treatment known as chemotherapy may be administered. Chemotherapy is often used as a follow-up treatment following surgery or radiation therapy for bladder cancer in order to eradicate any leftover cancer cells. It is possible for this to result in unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.

6. Supportive care, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy, may be of use to older persons who are undergoing treatment for bladder cancer. This care is intended to assist patients in maintaining their independence and quality of life while they are undergoing treatment. Along with palliative care, which focuses on symptom relief and enhancing quality of life, they may also benefit from counseling and emotional support.

It is crucial for older persons and the caregivers who assist them to work closely with their healthcare team to build a plan of care that is personalized to their unique requirements and to investigate all available alternatives for treatment, support, and care.

Because bladder cancer is more prevalent in a population's later years, it is essential that those in their golden years have routine tests for the disease. The American Urological Association suggests that people over the age of 55 who have risk factors for bladder cancer, such as smoking history or exposure to certain chemicals, should get screened for the disease.

Alterations to one's lifestyle, together with frequent screenings, may be of assistance in lowering one's chance of developing bladder cancer in later years. The chance of developing bladder cancer may be lowered by measures such as giving up smoking, eating well, and limiting contact with specific chemicals. Consuming a large quantity of water on a daily basis may also assist in the removal of potentially hazardous chemicals from the urinary system.

Although it is important to diagnose and treat bladder cancer thoroughly, older individuals should not lose hope since this is not the worst form of many cancers. Generally speaking, the five-year survival percentage for older adults with localized bladder cancer is about 77%. This rate is a meaningful indicator of how effective therapies are for this form of cancer. It is also crucial to note that this statistic is predicated on the five-year period after diagnosis and that long-term survival rates may be distinctive.