Can radiotherapy help in managing my urothelial carcinoma?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 58-year-old female. I was diagnosed with metastatic urothelial carcinoma last week. I have been suffering from severe symptoms such as lower back pain and blood in urine for the past three months. I have been suggested with radiotherapy. Can I know how this metastatic urothelial carcinoma is caused? May I know what other treatment options are available for managing this metastatic urothelial carcinoma?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Urothelial carcinoma, a type of bladder cancer, can be caused by several factors, including:

Smoking: Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for bladder cancer.
Exposure to chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace, such as those found in dyes, rubber, paint, and textiles, can increase the risk of bladder cancer.
Chronic inflammation: Chronic inflammation of the bladder, such as from recurrent urinary tract infections or bladder catheters, can increase the risk of bladder cancer.
Family history: Having a family history of bladder cancer can increase the risk.
Genetic conditions: Certain genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome, can increase the risk.
Drinking water: Drinking water with high levels of arsenic or that has been treated with chlorine can increase the risk.
Medications: Taking certain medicines or herbal supplements can increase the risk.
Radiation therapy: Prior radiation therapy to the pelvis can increase the risk.
Chemotherapy: Prior chemotherapy, such as with Cyclophosphamide, can increase the risk.
Schistosomiasis: A bladder infection caused by the parasite Schistosoma haematobium can increase the risk. This is common in Africa and the Middle East but rare in the United States.

Many people with risk factors for bladder cancer never develop it, and others with no known risk factors do. The treatment options for metastatic urothelial cancer are chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Surgery or radiation therapy may be an option for some patients. In case the above drugs fail to show results, then next will be the best supportive care or targeted therapy with Erdafitinib, for example, for selected patients.

I hope this information helps you.

Revert in case of queries.

Regards.