What happens in end stages of bladder cancer?

The end stages of bladder cancer are characterized by advanced local invasion and/or distant metastasis. Here's what typically happens:

1. Advanced Local Invasion:

- The tumor grows beyond the bladder wall and invades surrounding structures, such as the prostate, vagina, rectum, or pelvic bones.

- This can cause severe pain, difficulty urinating, bleeding, and other complications.

2. Regional Spread:

- Cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes, indicating regional lymph node involvement.

- This can affect the patient's prognosis and may require additional treatment.

3. Distant Metastasis:

- Cancer spreads to distant organs, most commonly the lungs, liver, bones, and brain.

- Metastatic bladder cancer is considered advanced and challenging to treat.

4. Symptoms:

- Pain in the pelvis or back

- Difficulty or painful urination

- Urinary incontinence or retention

- Blood in the urine

- Fatigue and weakness

- Bone pain

- Weight loss

- Loss of appetite

5. Treatment:

- Treatment options for advanced bladder cancer include systemic chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

- The goal of treatment is to control the disease, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life.

6. Prognosis:

- The prognosis for advanced bladder cancer depends on various factors, including the extent of the disease, overall health, and response to treatment.

- The 5-year survival rate for metastatic bladder cancer is around 5%-10%.

It's important for individuals with advanced bladder cancer to receive comprehensive care from a team of specialists to manage the disease and provide supportive care to alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life.