Overview
Stage 3 Bladder Cancer is when the cancer cells have spread beyond the bladder. This Stage is divided into two Stages called 3A and 3B.
Understanding your Stage 3 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 3 Bladder Cancer.
- Stage 3A Bladder Cancer
- Stage 3B Bladder Cancer
Overview
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Stage 3A Bladder Cancer diagnosis means the Cancer has spread to one of the following areas of your body:
a. The layer of fat surrounding your bladder, shown here in yellow, and may have spread to nearby organs like uterus and vagina in women or seminal vesicles and prostate in men but has not spread to your lymph nodes.
or
b. the cancer has spread to one lymph node in the pelvis area, shown here in green.
In Stage 3A Bladder Cancer, the cancer has not spread to any other organs in your body.
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 also typically done through a biopsy to identify the cancer cell type, which is critical to finding the best treatment option for you.
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 3B Bladder Cancer diagnosis means the Cancer has spread to:
a) More than one lymph node in the pelvis, shown in green in your pelvic area
or
b) One or more lymph nodes outside the pelvis, but inside the abdomen.
In Stage 3B Bladder Cancer, the cancer has not spread to any other organs in your body.
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 also typically done through a biopsy to identify the cancer cell type, which is critical to finding the best treatment option for you.
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.
Replay this audio as often as needed and then take a look at our Commonly Searched Questions below.
National Institute of Health/ treatment-bladder
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Commonly Searched Questions
Stage 3 Bladder Cancer Symptoms
These are some common symptoms you might experience if you have Stage 3 Bladder Cancer;
The following symptoms of Stage 3 Bladder Cancer occur in both men and women:
- 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
- Weakness and lethargy
Source: Cancer.org
Stage 3 Bladder Cancer Treatment
These are some common treatment options that are available for your Stage 3 Bladder Cancer:
- Surgery to remove the Bladder Cancer through the tube that carries urine from the bladder (urethra)
- Surgery to remove the whole bladder and the surrounding area that is affected
- 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 for a new treatment
Now Click Here To Compare Your Latest Treatment Options.
Source: Cancer.gov
Stage 3 Bladder Cancer Survival Rate
According to SEER data, Stage 3 Bladder Cancer has a survival rate of 37.5%. This generally means that people with Stage 3 Bladder Cancer are 37.5% as likely as people without cancer to live for 5 years after the diagnosis.
These numbers do not take into account the Bladder Cancer coming back, newer data and are an estimate so they should be used with caution.
Source: Cancer.gov
Stage 3 Bladder Cancer Prevention
Stage 3 bladder cancer is more advanced, as it has spread to the outer layer of the bladder wall or nearby tissues, such as the prostate, uterus, or vagina. While specific prevention strategies for Stage 3 bladder cancer are not detailed, general strategies to help reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer include:
- Avoid Tobacco: Smoking is the primary risk factor for bladder cancer. Quitting smoking or avoiding tobacco products can significantly decrease the risk of bladder cancer.
- Limit Exposure to Carcinogens: If you are exposed to chemicals known to increase bladder cancer risk (such as those in the dye, rubber, or chemical industries), use protective measures and adhere to safety regulations to reduce exposure.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking adequate amounts of fluids, particularly water, can help dilute and flush potential carcinogens from the bladder.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Adopting a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity can promote overall health and potentially lower cancer risk.
- Regular Health Check-ups: For individuals with a history of bladder cancer or those at high risk, regular check-ups and screenings are essential for early detection and management.
Source: Cancer.gov
Stage 3 Bladder Cancer Definition
Stage 3 bladder cancer is defined by the extent of its spread. At this stage, the cancer has grown into the muscle layer of the bladder wall and may extend through the bladder wall to nearby tissues. It may also have spread to nearby lymph nodes but has not yet metastasized to distant parts of the body. Stage 3 is further categorized into 3A, where the cancer has spread to the surrounding tissue but not to lymph nodes, and 3B, where it has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Source: Cancer.gov
Stage 3 Bladder Cancer Recurrence Rate
The recurrence rate for Stage 3 bladder cancer is significant, with a notable percentage of patients experiencing recurrence. The recurrence rate can vary based on factors such as treatment type and patient health, but overall, about half of patients with Stage 3 bladder cancer may see their cancer return within a few years after initial treatment. Regular follow-up and monitoring are essential for managing and detecting any recurrence early.
Source: Cancer.gov
