bladder cancer

treatment for early, superficial bladder cancer

75% of bladder cancers are superficial at diagnosis. They are treated by resection using the cystoscope, under general anaesthetic.

The reason for early treatment and subsequent close monitoring is to try and prevent progression of the cancer to invasive disease.

Once you have had your tumour resected, your specialist will probably advise that you have intravesical chemotherapy, which may prevent the tumours growing back. You will be advised to have regular cystoscopies, initially at three-month intervals, to make sure that there has been no return of the tumour to your bladder.

If the bladder remains clear, the intervals between checks will increase to annual flexible cystoscopy check-ups, carried out in the outpatients department.