If a tumor is found, further tests will be performed to determine the size and stage of the disease. Determining the stage of bladder cancer is dependant upon the depth of the invasion of the tumor and if the cancer has spread beyond the original site. These tests are most useful for persons who are at high risk for developing bladder cancer. Home screening tests, such as those available to monitor glucose in diabetics, may be available soon to measure very small amounts of blood in the urine, which may be an indicator of an abnormality. This would help to detect early stages of bladder cancer in individuals at high risk.
Treatment depends upon the stage of the disease.
These tumors may sometimes be treated effectively with chemotherapy drugs such as thiotepa, mitomycin c, or doxorubicin. If, however, a tumor has invaded the bladder wall, the entire bladder is usually surgically removed. A number of projects involving experimental preventive measures have been reported in the current medical literature. Bibliography Kalns, Wientjes, and others, 1996. Dreicer, Cooper, and Williams, 1996.