Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: An Overview Of Diagnosis And Treatment Options



Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) refers to bladder cancer that has not yet spread into the muscular layer of the bladder. It remains within the mucosa (inner lining) or submucosa (layer directly beneath the mucosa). Approximately 75-85% of newly diagnosed bladder cancers fall into this category. NMIBC includes stages Ta, T1, and carcinoma in situ (CIS) tumors.


Stages Of NMIBC


Ta stage involves noninvasive papillary tumors that grow into the inner lining of the bladder but have not grown into the connective tissue layer. T1 stage tumors have grown into the connective tissue layer but not the muscle layer of the bladder. CIS refers to flat tumors on the bladder lining that have not grown into the other layers. CIS tumors carry a high risk of progression.


Symptoms Of NMIBC


Common symptoms of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer include blood or blood clots in the urine, frequent urges to urinate, and burning sensations during urination. However, some NMIBC tumors may cause no symptoms at all and are only discovered during routine testing or medical examination for other conditions. Elderly patients and those with recurrent superficial papillary tumors are more likely to be asymptomatic.


Diagnosing Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

 

Diagnosis begins with a medical history and physical exam. Tests that may be used include urinalysis to check for blood or abnormal cells, urine cytology to examine cells for abnormalities, cystoscopy to visually examine the bladder using a thin camera, and biopsy to remove tissue for pathological examination. Imaging tests like CT scans are usually not required for NMIBC diagnosis but may be used in advanced cases. Cystoscopy allows direct visualization of tumors in the bladder.


Staging And Grading NMIBC


Pathological examination of biopsy specimens determines the stage and grade of NMIBC

 tumors:

- Stage is defined by how far the cancer has spread within the layers of the bladder wall.


- Grade refers to how aggressive the cancer cells appear under the microscope and how quickly the tumors are likely to grow and spread. Grades range from G1 (low grade) to G3 (high grade). Higher grade tumors have a worse prognosis.


Providing an accurate stage and grade guides determining appropriate treatment and prognosis.


Treatment Options For Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer


Treatment depends on the grade and stage of the cancer. Because NMIBC carries a significant risk of recurrence, long-term surveillance is important. Main treatment options include:


Transurethral Resection Of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) - Used for all NMIBC cases. Involves surgery to remove visible tumors through the urethra. Allows for staging and grading.


Intravesical Therapy - Involving the administration of chemotherapy or immunotherapy drugs directly into the bladder through a catheter. Used to treat residual tumors and reduce recurrence risk. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy is the standard option to reduce recurrence risk of high-grade NMIBC.


Follow-up and Surveillance - Regular cystoscopy and urine testing are done every 3-6 months for the first 2-3 years and then annually to monitor for recurrence. Radical cystectomy may be needed if the cancer continues recurring or progressing.


Outcomes For NMIBC

 
Prognosis depends significantly on grade and stage. Approximately 60-70% ofTa tumors and up to 50% of T1 tumors will recur noninvasively within 5 years if left untreated. Approximately 10-20% of NMIBC will eventually progress to muscle-invasive disease if left untreated or incompletely treated initially. Regular surveillance helps detect recurrence early to improve outcomes. 5-year survival rates are over 90% for Ta and Stage 1 tumors.


NMIBC represents a spectrum of bladder cancers limited to the mucosa and submucosa that can often be managed long-term with TURBT and intravesical therapy if detected early. Careful surveillance is critical due to the risk of recurrence and potential progression over time without proper treatment. Continued advancements in diagnosis and management seek to improve outcomes even further for those affected.


Holistic Approaches For Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Management


In addition to conventional medical therapies, some patients pursue holistic and integrative approaches to support their NMIBC management plan:


Diet/Lifestyle - Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet focused on fruits/vegetables and reducing red meat intake. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Managing stress through relaxation techniques.

 
Supplements - Turmeric, resveratrol, and other plant compounds with potential anti-cancer properties are studied. Selenium and vitamin B may benefit bladder health. Discuss any supplements with medical providers.


Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - Certain TCM herbal formulations aim to boost immunity and reduce recurrence risk. Acupuncture can relieve cancer-related pain and stress. Research on TCM for NMIBC is limited but growing.


Yoga/Meditation - Mind-body practices may enhance quality of life and reduce side effects from medical treatments by lowering stress levels and promoting relaxation.


While holistic therapies alone cannot treat or cure cancer, an integrative care approach combining conventional medical care and lifestyle/mind-body strategies may offer overall benefits for Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer patients during and after standard therapies. Open communication between patients and providers is important.

 

Get more insights on this topic: https://www.marketwebjournal.com/understanding-non-muscle-invasive-bladder-cancer/

 

About Author:

Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement. (LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-pandey-8417a8173/)

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it

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