Bladder cancer affects an organ in the abdomen. The bladder stores urine until it passes through the body. There are several treatments available for this type of cancer. It is important to be knowledgeable of the in case this disease ever affects you personally.
Surgery
Surgery may be used to remove the cancer cells only or just part of the bladder. If the entire bladder must be removed, another surgery can create a new way for the body to store urine.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses either external or internal radiation to kill the cancer cells. External machines can send waves through the body to the cells, or the radiation may flow directly through wires or catheters into the body.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy will use drugs, either orally or intravenously, to kill the cancer cells. It may also be used simply to stop the cancer cells from growing further.
Biologic Therapy
Biologic therapy, or immunotherapy, uses an individual's natural immune system to fight the disease. A laboratory will use matter from the body to boost the patient's defenses.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy, or PDT, is being used in clinical trials. A drug is injected into the patient and upon contact with a light becomes active, killing the cancer cells.
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