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      • Bladder Preservation
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Helpful Information SYMPTOMS

Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Treatment

Although in selected patients, treatments to preserve the bladder (such as combined chemotherapy plus radiation and complete TURBT) may be an option, the majority of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer will be treated with radical cystectomy – major surgery to remove the diseased bladder and to construct a new urinary diversion. In men, the surgeon will remove the bladder, prostate, seminal vesicles and pelvic lymph nodes, usually a dozen or more. In women, the surgeon may remove not only the bladder, but also the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, front wall of the vagina and pelvic lymph nodes.

For both men and women, the surgeon may also remove the urethra, depending on which diversion is to be created.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR SURGEON BEFORE SURGERY

  • Can you explain the stage and grade of my cancer and what that means for my treatment?
  • What are all the guideline-recommended treatment options for bladder cancer?
  • Do you construct neobladders and Indiana Pouches as well as ileal conduits? (You’ll find more information about these surgeries on the following pages.)
  • Will I need chemotherapy?
  • What kind of follow-up will I require from you?
  • What limitations will this surgery impose on my life (physical, emotional, sexual)?
  • What are the common complications of surgery and long- term effects of the disease?
  • Are there any patients of yours with whom I can speak who have had this surgery?
  • Am I able to obtain a second opinion from a major cancer/ teaching centre?
  • Am I able to obtain a second opinion from a major cancer/teaching centre?

When you meet with your surgeon, take a family member or close friend with you to take notes and to be a listening ear. You’ll miss some of the information if you are by yourself.

Write down questions you want the surgeon to answer before you get there so that you don’t forget them. You could even ask permission to record the interview so that you can replay the questions and answers when you get home.

 

Click here to continue reading about bladder preservation treatment options.

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    • Donate Now
    • ABOUT US
      • Our Mission/Vision
      • Board Of Directors
      • Medical Advisory
        and Research Board
      • Sponsors & Partners
      • Financial Statements and Annual Report
      • Contact Us
    • FACING
      BLADDER CANCER
      • Newly Diagnosed?
      • Canadian Patient Guidebooks
      • Dealing With Emotions
      • Get Support
      • Join a Discussion Forum
      • Videos
      • Webinar Recordings
      • Patient Resources
    • HELPFUL
      INFORMATION
      • Bladder Cancer Facts
      • See Red?
      • Symptoms
      • Bladder Cancer Basics
        • How The Body Works
        • Types of Bladder Cancer
        • Causes
        • Diagnosis
        • Staging and Grading
      • How will my cancer be treated?
        • Nonmuscle Invasive
        • Muscle Invasive
        • Bladder Preservation
        • Metastatic Bladder Cancer
        • Immunotherapy for Bladder Cancer
      • Bladder Removal
        • Diversion Types
        • Common Issues
        • Chemotherapy
        • After Your Surgery
        • At Home
      • Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
      • Palliative Care
      • Doctor Resources
      • Glossary
      • Links
    • STORIES,
      NEWS & EVENTS
      • Latest News & Stories
      • Upcoming Meetings And Events
      • Newsletter Archive
    • RESEARCH and
      CLINICAL TRIALS
      • Canadian Bladder Cancer Information System
      • Clinical Trials
      • BCC Funded Research
      • BCC Research Grant
    • GET
      INVOLVED
      • Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer
      • Volunteer
      • Host A Fundraiser
      • Subscribe To Our Newsletter
    • DONATE NOW
      • General Donations
      • Honour & Memorial Donations
      • Join an Awareness Walk
      • Planned Giving
      • Securities and Mutual Funds
      • Employer Matching Gifts
      • Donate a Vehicle
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