Overview

It is estimated that about 70 percent of all new cases of bladder cancer are classified as non-muscle invasive, which is also called superficial bladder cancer. Upon diagnosed, the initial treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer is surgical removal of the tumor through a procedure called cystoscope. This procedure is often followed by adjuvant therapy, which reduces the chances of the cancer returning.

Non‑muscle invasive simply refers to cancer that has not grown into the muscle wall of the bladder, and it is divided into 3 categories. By these categories, one can establish how likely it is that the cancer will spread to the muscle wall or further, and maybe will come back after it has been treated. These categories are:

• Low risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

• High-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

• Intermediate risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

These categories will determine the types of tests and treatments that will be offered for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Treatment For Low-Risk Non-Muscle Invasive

Treatment focuses on removing tissue samples during TURBT operation – a procedure in which a surgeon uses a cystoscope to see inside the bladder and remove any abnormal-looking area. It is during this operation that this category of bladder cancer is discovered. The cystoscopy is recommended for checking the bladder 3 months later and another one 9 months after the first. When there are no traces of cancer, a patient is discharged back to GP. However, if the cancer comes back, a treatment called fulguration will be offered.

Treatment For High-Risk Non-Muscle Invasive

In the case of high-risk non-muscle invasive cancer, treatment often focuses on TURBT operation as soon as possible, and it should not be more than six weeks after the first TURBT. Operation. TURBT helps to establish how far the cancer has grown. And, depending on how far it has grown, a certain treatment with a vaccine known as BCG or cystectomy (an operation to remove bladder) will be recommended.

Treatment For Intermediate-Risk Non-Muscle Invasive

A patient with this category of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer is often given at least 6 doses of chemotherapy with a drug known as mitomycin C. This is a liquid medicine that is put into the patient's bladder through a thin tube called a catheter. Besides, the patient will be given cystoscopy to check his bladder 3 months, 9 months, and 18 months after chemotherapy is concluded.