Overview
Stage 4 Bladder Cancer diagnosis is divided into Stage 4A and Stage 4B. It is also called Metastatic Bladder Cancer.
Understanding your Stage 4 Bladder Cancer diagnosis will help you partner with your doctors to make the best treatment choice for you. Tap “Watch Now” for an easy-to-understand overview of Stage 4 Bladder Cancer.
- Stage 4A Bladder Cancer
- Stage 4B Bladder Cancer
Overview
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Stage 4A Bladder Cancer diagnosis means that the Cancer has either:
Spread to the wall of your abdomen or pelvis as indicated on the lower right by the letter a),
or
The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes that are above your common iliac arteries as noted by the letter b). These are the major arteries found on either side of your pelvis. The lymph nodes can be seen here at the top of the image in green.
What Tests Will I Need and Why?
Urine, Blood and Imaging tests are done to understand your general health, confirm your diagnosis and determine your cancer stage.
Tissue analysis is done through a biopsy to identify the cancer cell type, which is critical to finding the best treatment option for you.
Stage 4 bladder cancer is usually treated with chemotherapy and, more recently, with immunotherapy.
Re-read this summary as needed and then tap, “Compare My Treatment Options Now“. Our unique Comparison Page will help you understand your FDA-approved treatment options including, who can help you pay for your treatment, where and how each is given and what side-effects you may experience.
National Institute of Health/ treatment-bladder
Overview
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Stage 4B Bladder Cancer diagnosis means that the Bladder Cancer has spread from your bladder to other parts of your body such as the lung, liver or bones as shown here on the right.
What Tests Will I Need and Why?
Urine, Blood and Imaging tests are done to understand your general health, confirm your diagnosis and determine your cancer stage.
Tissue analysis is done through a biopsy to identify the cancer cell type, which is critical to finding the best treatment option for you.
Stage 4 bladder cancer is usually treated with chemotherapy and, more recently, with immunotherapy.
Re-read this summary as needed and then tap, “Compare My Treatment Options Now“. Our unique Comparison Page will help you understand your FDA-approved treatment options including, who can help you pay for your treatment, where and how each is given and what side-effects you may experience.
National Institute of Health/ treatment-bladder
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How Cancer Spreads
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Diagnosing Your Cancer
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Diagnosing Your Cancer
How Does a PET Scan Work?
Exercise! You Can Do It
Reducing Side Effects & More
Commonly Searched Questions
Stage 4 Bladder Cancer Prevention
Stage 4 bladder cancer is an advanced stage where the cancer has spread beyond the bladder to nearby organs, lymph nodes, or distant sites. While specific prevention strategies for Stage 4 bladder cancer are not tailored to the advanced stage, general bladder cancer prevention strategies are important to reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer in the first place. These include:
• Avoid Tobacco: Smoking is the most significant risk factor for bladder cancer. Quitting smoking or avoiding tobacco products can greatly reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer.
• Limit Exposure to Carcinogens: If you work in environments with exposure to industrial chemicals (such as those used in the dye, rubber, or chemical industries), using proper protective equipment and following safety guidelines can help reduce your risk.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help flush out potentially harmful substances from the bladder and may lower the risk of bladder cancer.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, and managing a healthy weight contribute to overall well-being and may help lower cancer risk.
• Regular Screenings: For individuals at high risk of bladder cancer (e.g., those with a history of bladder cancer, significant exposure to risk factors), regular screenings and medical check-ups are important for early detection and management.
• Manage Chronic Conditions: Conditions that cause chronic irritation or inflammation of the bladder, such as chronic urinary infections or interstitial cystitis, should be managed appropriately.
Sources: Cancer.gov
Stage 4 Bladder Cancer Symptoms
These are some common symptoms you might experience if you have Stage 4 Bladder Cancer;
- Blood in urine
- Urinating multiple times in a night
- Pain while urinating
- Difficulty urinating with a low-pressure stream of urine
- Pain in the abdomen
- Bone pain
- Weakness and lethargy
- Swelling of the legs
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (indicates spread to the liver)
- Difficulty breathing (indicates a possible spread to the lungs)
These symptoms of Bladder Cancer occur in both men and women
Source: Cancer.org
Stage 4 Bladder Cancer Treatment
These are some common treatment options that are available for your Stage 4 Bladder Cancer:
- Surgery to remove the whole bladder and surrounding structures that are affected.
- Surgery to divert urine as palliative treatment.
- Chemotherapy after surgery given directly into the bladder.
- External radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy helps the immune system identify and kill the Bladder Cancer. BCG is the most commonly used immunotherapy for this Stage.
- A Clinical trial with a new treatment.
Now Click Here To Compare Your Latest Treatment Options.
Source: Cancer.gov
Stage 4 Bladder Cancer Survival Rate
According to SEER data, Stage 4 Bladder Cancer has a survival rate of 6.4%. This generally means that people with Stage 4 Bladder Cancer are 6.4% as likely as people without cancer to live for 5 years after the diagnosis.
These numbers are an estimate and do not take into account the Bladder Cancer coming back or newer data so they should be used with caution.
Source: Cancer.gov
Stage 4 Bladder Cancer Definition
According to Cancer.org, Stage 4 bladder cancer is defined as cancer that has spread beyond the bladder to other parts of the body. This stage is divided into two sub-stages:
• Stage 4A: The cancer has spread to nearby structures, such as the prostate, uterus, or vagina, or to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage 4B: The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the liver, bones, or lungs.
Stage 4 bladder cancer is considered advanced and often requires more extensive treatment approaches.
Sources: Cancer.gov
Stage 4 Bladder Cancer Recurrence Rate
According to Cancer.org, the recurrence rate for Stage 4 bladder cancer is notably high due to its advanced nature. In Stage 4, the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, which complicates treatment and increases the likelihood of recurrence. Specific recurrence rates can vary based on individual factors, including the extent of metastasis and the response to treatment. For detailed statistics and personalized information, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider or refer to specific cancer treatment and research updates.
Sources: Cancer.gov
