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Urology (Expert Forum)
cancer re-occurence.. options
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
cancer re-occurence.. options
by geof__0, Mar 25, 1998 12:00AM
In august 96 I had my bladder removed, following chemotherapy &
radical radiotherapy for invasive bladder cancer. Unfortunately
the cancer has re-occurred at the site of the bladder and was
picked up by a CT scan in September 97. I have just finished
months of MCV chemotherapy and my last CT scan shows clear.
My questions are..
I was told in Sept 97 that surgery was not an option once the
bladder has been removed....is this always so and why ??
I have had prostatitis-like symptoms ever since the bladder was
removed....could this be due to the radiotherapy affecting the
prostate and pelvis in general, and are there any treatment
options ??
thank you for your opinions, Geoff
=============================================
Dear Geoff
Sorry to hear your cancer came back but it is good news that it seems to be in remission after further treatment. The prostate is usually removed during a radical cystectomy so
“ prostatitis “ in the literal sense is impossible. The radiation alone or previous surgery in the area does not usually cause chronic pelvic pain but your body has been through a lot. Pain clinics run by anesthesiologist are one of the most effective ways in modern medicine to manage chronic pain. I would start with your oncologist to see what avenues he/she has regarding pain management.
Surgery alone or in combination to remove the residual tumor is not logical because the chances of getting all the tumor is small. The tumor is usually wide spread and this is ideal for chemotherapy. Radiation instead of surgery after cystectomy is used for local control of the disease.
You are welcome to visit our oncology services at the Henry Ford Hospital main or suburban campuses for a second opinion. We have multiple research protocols available which you might qualify for. If interested, call 1 800 653 6568 for an operator who can arrange an appointment. . We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any physicians’ notes and lab test results that
you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Good Luck
Sincerely;
HFHS-M.D. MS
* Keyword: pain management, bladder cancer
