Bladder cancer "coaches," or people who have gone through treatment for the disease, may help current patients cope with their diagnosis and manage treatment, said a health researcher from Baylor College of Medicine . "Because medical information can be complex, doctors may have difficulty relaying information about treatment procedures in a way that their patients understand," said Dr. David Latini, assistant professor in the Scott Department of Urology at BCM (www.bcm.edu/urology). "As a result, patients can misinterpret information about their condition and treatment options." The standard imaging procedure for bladder cancer, known as the cystoscopy, is very invasive and frequent, and many patients do not remain adherent, said Latini, also an assistant pro…
The video is made up from photos of my father and family, and put to my recording of “Help Me”. The video is dedicated to my father, who was diagnosed with bladder cancer, back in early August. He is doing well, but he is undergoing some extensive chemo treatments. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers…
In collaboration with the National Cancer Centre, Singapore, Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) researchers have identified an enzyme that could help diagnose and treat cholangiocarcinoma, a form of liver cancer that strikes up to 3,000 new patients each year in the United States. Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common type of cancer that affects the hepatobiliary system, which includes the liver, gall bladder, and bile ducts. The disease is most commonly diagnosed in patients in their 60’s and 70’s, and prognosis is generally poor with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%… (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
New law may help field lab workers get compensation
Department of Labor officials will assist former Field Lab workers in filing claims if they were sickened by exposure to radiation and chemicals at the site.
Read more on Ventura County Star
i have been in remision from bladder cancer and was wondering if i could claim for industrial injuries as i work with plastic and maybe there might be a link to what caused this as i am 45 years of age and my surgeon said it is rare for me to get this at my age as i had to get the full bladder removed
Hello, my great grandfather was diagnosed with bladder cancer about a year ago, and due to his old age, he decided not to go about getting any treatment beyond surgery to try to remove the mass (which wasn’t successful). Now he is having bloody/mucusy discharge when he urinates. He is in constant pain, which is exacerbated by trying to urinate, despite high doses of Percocet. What stage of bladder cancer does this sound like? I know that it is at least stage III, as that’s what he was originally diagnosed with. Thank you so much for any help in this matter!
The actors from 1988’s “Stand and Deliver” come together to help the movie’s inspiration, East LA math teacher Jamie Escalante who is suffering in the final stages of bladder cancer.
(University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center) In a new study from the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, researchers found that cystoscopy, the standard for screening for recurrence of early-stage bladder cancer, is a cost-effective method of detecting tumors. (Source: EurekAlert! – Medicine and Health)
Source: MedWorm: Bladder Cancer
In a new study from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, researchers found that cystoscopy, the standard for screening for recurrence of early-stage bladder cancer, is a cost-effective method of detecting tumors. Adding other tests to cystoscopy increases the cost, as well as the number of false positives that may result in emotional distress and unnecessary procedures, the investigators include. The study was presented today in advance of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Genitourinary Cancer Symposium. Jose Karam, M.D., a fellow in M. D… (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: MedWorm: Bladder Cancer
If you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, you may feel isolated and alone. However, you are not alone. According to the National Cancer Institute, the year 2008 brought about 123,200 new case of bladder and kidney cancer. It is the 4th most common type of cancer in men and the 8th in women.
The Bladder: The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower abdomen near the pelvis. The sole function of the bladder is to store liquid waste (urine) until it can be passed from the body. It acts in much the same way as a balloon does. It will stretch out when being filled and shrinks when emptied. The process of emptying the bladder has the urine travel down a small tube called the urethra before exiting the body.
3 Types of Bladder Cancer Bladder cancer begins in the bladder and comes in three distinct types: transitional cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. • Transitional cell carcinoma lies in the innermost tissue of the bladder. • Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the cells of a bladder after a prolonged infection or irritation. • Adenocarcinoma begins in the cells after a long-term inflammation or irritation of the bladder has occurred.
What are the Treatment Options? Treatment for bladder cancer is similar to other cancers. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are often the recommended treatments. There are also clinical trials being conducted that test new types of treatments and their effectiveness.
Surgery Many cancers of the bladder require surgical removal of the cancer cells. This may mean partial or full removal of the bladder. When an oncologist removes the entire bladder, the procedure is called a radical cystectomy. Whether you receive a partial removal or a full removal, the chances are you will need still chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is given in order to shrink and destroy the cancerous cells. While chemotherapy can be administered orally, it is more often routinely given in intravenous form from a needle and into the blood.
Chemotherapy is given in cycles. Cycles vary depending on medication, stage, and risk factors. Some people will receive 3 cycles while others 25 to 50 cycles.
Finding a Doctor If you have already been diagnosed, you were probably whisked into a whirlwind of doctors without even thinking. Now is the time to stop and think about your options. You DO have options. You don’t have to commit to seeing the first doctor you go to and you are entitled to a second opinion.
Bladder cancer is about you and your choices. Not all doctors offer the same treatments and clinical trials. If there is a new treatment you think sounds good but your doctor does not, then you may have to change doctors. This is about you and your life. Do not worry about hurting your doctor’s feelings. Start today by finding the doctor and the treatment that is right for you.
