Bladder Cancer Treatment Cost & Recovery Time

Bladder Cancer Treatment Cost & Recovery Time : A Guide

Bladder Cancer Treatment Cost & Recovery Time : A Guide

Bladder cancer is a widespread and complicated condition that impacts thousands of people yearly in the USA. According to the reports of the American Cancer Society, more than 83000 new cases of bladder cancer are detected every year. But most of these cases are treatable, particularly in the case of earlier diagnosis. In this blog, we will discover bladder cancer treatment cost & recovery time.

Bladder cancer treatment can be costly, and the recovery procedure depends on the type and condition of the cancer and the type of treatment procedure. Here we shared the detailed information about the different treatment choices, recovery procedure, and estimated costs.

What Is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer happens in the cells that make up the lining of the bladder, which is responsible for storing urine before it leaves the body. Most bladder cancers start in the urothelial cells, which make up the inner lining of the bladder to control urine leakage.

Classification of Bladder Cancer:

  • Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: NMIBC is restricted to the lining of the bladder.
  • Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: MIBC has extended into the muscular layer of the bladder.
  • Metastatic Bladder Cancer: This cancer has spread to different parts of the body.

The class and stage of the cancer play a huge role in deciding the treatment options and prediction.

Treatment Options for Bladder Cancer

There are different treatment choices available for bladder cancer, such as:

Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT)

TURBT is usually the first line of treatment for early-stage bladder cancer. It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove tumors via the urethra utilizing a technical scope.

  • This procedure is used for early diagnosis and treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
  • Most Patients are usually discharged from the hospital within 2 to 3 days after treatment.
  • There are some possible risks, such as blood loss, infection, or frequent urination.

Intravesical Therapy

Healthcare professionals probably suggest this treatment procedure after TURBT for high-risk NMIBC. In this procedure, the most common choice is Bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy, which controls the recurrence of cancer.

  • In this procedure, a flexible tube drops medicine directly into the bladder.
  • This is generally performed once a week for almost 6 or 7 weeks.
  • There are some possible risks associated, such as irritation and flu-like symptoms.

Radical Cystectomy

If muscle-invasive bladder cancer or high-risk cancer returns after using TURBT and intravesical therapy, then a radical cystectomy is probably required for treatment. It involves removing the whole bladder and, in some cases, nearby organs, such as the prostate in men or the uterus in women.

  • Patients have the choice of the open, robotic, or laparoscopic procedure.
  • There will be an almost 4 to 6 day hospital stay, and the complete recovery duration is 7 to 15 weeks.
  • In this procedure, a neobladder is built to allow urine to exit the body.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is usually used in these scenarios:

  • Pre-operative use is used to reduce the tumor.
  • Post-operative use for metastatic conditions.
  • Deliver directly or by vein into the bladder.
  • Possible side effects or risks are Fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and immune suppression.

Immunotherapy

In this procedure, the frontier barriers, such as Atezolizumab or Pembrolizumab, help the immune system fight and kill cancer cells. It is especially useful in cutting-edge or metastatic disease.

  • IV infusions are administered every 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Some possible side effects such as rashness, diarrhea, fatigue, or inflammation.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation utilizes high-energy rays to kill or decrease tumors and is usually used in combination with chemotherapy.

  • In this therapy, external beam radiation will be delivered to the body.
  • It is scheduled for almost 5 days weekly for 5 to 7 weeks.
  • There are some possible side effects, such as bowel, urinary changes, skin irritation, or fatigue.

Average Treatment Cost for Bladder Cancer in the USA

Bladder cancer treatment can be expensive in the USA. Actual costs of treatment depend on multiple aspects, such as:

  • Stage and type of Cancer
  • Type of Hospital or facility (private or public)
  • Insurance
  • Difficulty and timeline of treatment, etc.

Average Cost Breakdown:

Treatment Type Estimated Cost (USD)
TURBT Procedure $3,000 – $10,000
Intravesical BCG Therapy (6 doses) $6,000 – $10,000
Radical Cystectomy $19,000 – $30,000+
Chemotherapy (per cycle) $10,000 – $15,000
Immunotherapy (per dose) $20,000 – $30,000
Radiation Therapy (complete course) $10,000 – $15,000
Post-operative care & medications $2,000 – $5,000+

Recovery Time After Treatment

Recovery time can completely depend on the type and scope of the treatment, such as:

After TURBT:

  • 4 to 6 Days for light activities
  • Burning or high urination flow for a few weeks
  • Avoid heavy lifting or severe activities for 2 to 4 weeks.

After Radical Cystectomy:

  • 5 to 7 days of hospital stay.
  • 6 to 8 weeks for initial recovery
  • More than 12 weeks for complete recovery with urinary
  • Total Recovery Time: Up to 12 weeks or more, especially with urinary restoration.
  • Physical therapy is required to achieve strength.
  • Adjust lifestyle to improve the quality of life.

After Chemotherapy or Immunotherapy:

  • Immune suppression probably lasts 1 to 3 months after treatment
  • Frequent observation via imaging and blood tests to check for recurrence.

After Radiation Therapy:

  • There are some possible side effects, such as bowel pain, skin irritation, or fatigue probably take a few weeks to fix.
  • Most patients feel better within 30 to 45 days after the treatment.

Lifestyle Changes to Support Recovery

Even if you are experiencing active treatment, maintaining your health can greatly help recovery and lower the chances of recurrence.

Suggested Lifestyle Adjustments:

  • Stop smoking because it is a leading cause of bladder cancer.
  • Drink lots of water to clean the bladder
  • Focus on healthy diets, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
  • Daily exercises, such as walking or yoga, can improve the mood and reduce fatigue.
  • You can join any cancer support group or therapy to prepare yourself to be mentally strong.

Long-Term Follow-Up

There is a highest recurrence ratio in bladder cancer among all cancers, particularly for high-risk cancer. That is why regular follow-up care is necessary.

Standard Lookout Plan:

  1. Cystoscopy, urine tests, and imaging scans are crucial every 3 to 6 months for almost 24 months.
  2. Frequent follow-up plans for high-risk cancer cases.

Final Thoughts

Bladder cancer treatment provides many choices with different costs and recovery procedures, heavily affected by early detection. Patients should comprehend the economic aspects of treatments, such as surgeries and therapies. Post-operative Recovery can vary, so adjusting a healthy lifestyle and maintaining routine follow-ups is crucial for improving results and controlling recurrence.

FAQS for Bladder Cancer Treatment Cost & Recovery Time

Question 1. What are the earlier symptoms of bladder cancer?

Answer: Earlier symptoms of bladder cancer are blood in urine (hematuria), regular urination, urgent need to urinate, and pain during urination. If you undergo any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional.

Question 2. Is bladder cancer a treatable disease?

Answer: Bladder cancer can be treated, particularly when detected earlier. Many patients experience complete remission, but it is necessary to stay awake with regular check-ups because of the chance of recurrence.

Question 3. How can we prepare for bladder cancer treatment?

Answer: You can consider different factors, such as discussing concerns with your healthcare provider, arranging for help at home during recovery, comprehending the treatment plan, and retaining support from family or friends throughout the procedure.

About the Doctor
Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Mourad Abouelleil

Dr. Mourad Abouelleil is a highly skilled and certified urologist known for his dedication to excellence in advanced urological procedures, such as robotic prostatectomy, HIFU, etc. With cutting-edge technology and extensive experience, Dr. Mourad Abouelleil provides personalized treatment plans to meet the unique needs of every patient with quality medical care.