Radiation Therapy for Stage II Bladder Cancer and Ureter Tumors

Q: Radiation Therapy for Stage II Bladder Cancer and Ureter Tumors

Hello： You can use health insurance for positioning without having to pay out of pocket. <br>You can discuss with your physician whether there are options for limited positioning sessions. <br>While out-of-pocket positioning has its benefits, positioning is aimed at achieving mor

Stage II bladder cancer with ureteral tumor?

Hello Doctor: My mother is 80 years old and has stage II bladder cancer with a tumor in the ureter.
Due to severe lung obstruction, she is unable to undergo surgery and is currently scheduled for radiation therapy.
The doctor mentioned that radiation therapy will require at least 25 sessions, with only the first session being covered by health insurance for imaging guidance.
Each subsequent session will cost 1,000 NTD out-of-pocket for positioning, although it is possible to opt for health insurance coverage without the out-of-pocket cost.
However, bladder distension may introduce some variability in positioning, so we need to decide.
Previously, she underwent endoscopic biopsy and self-paid laser surgery for the ureter, which has already cost 170,000 NTD, making it a heavy financial burden.
I would like to know if it is necessary to choose the out-of-pocket option for every session of radiation therapy.
Can we opt to pay out-of-pocket only every two or three sessions? What are the potential risks to healthy organs? Thank you!

Xiao Yun, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/19

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: You can use health insurance for positioning without having to pay out of pocket.
You can discuss with your physician whether there are options for limited positioning sessions.
While out-of-pocket positioning has its benefits, positioning is aimed at achieving more precise treatment of the tumor location during radiation exposure.
For tumor cells, non-surgical radiation is generally not curative and may have side effects.
You can discuss this with your physician; this method is primarily intended to prolong the patient's life.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/07/19

More Info

When dealing with stage II bladder cancer and ureter tumors, especially in elderly patients like your mother, it is crucial to understand the implications of radiation therapy, its costs, and potential side effects. Given your mother's situation, where surgery is not an option due to severe lung issues, radiation therapy becomes a vital part of her treatment plan.

Understanding Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is often used to treat cancer by targeting and destroying cancer cells. In the case of bladder cancer, it can be particularly effective in shrinking tumors and alleviating symptoms. For stage II bladder cancer, the treatment typically involves a series of radiation sessions, which can range from 25 to 30 treatments, depending on the specific case and the oncologist's recommendations.

Financial Considerations
You mentioned that the first session of radiation therapy is covered by health insurance, but subsequent sessions require out-of-pocket expenses. This can indeed be a financial burden, especially after already incurring significant costs from previous treatments. It is essential to have a candid discussion with your healthcare provider about the necessity of each session and whether it is possible to reduce costs by limiting the number of self-paid sessions. Some patients opt to pay for every few sessions, but this should be discussed with the medical team to ensure that it does not compromise the treatment's effectiveness.

Side Effects and Risks
Radiation therapy, while effective, does come with potential side effects. Given that the bladder and ureters are adjacent to other vital organs, radiation can affect surrounding healthy tissues. Common side effects include:
1. Urinary Issues: Patients may experience increased frequency of urination, urgency, or discomfort during urination. These symptoms can be exacerbated by the radiation treatment itself.

2. Fatigue: Many patients report feeling tired or fatigued during and after radiation therapy, which can impact daily activities.

3. Skin Reactions: The area being treated may develop skin irritation, redness, or peeling, similar to a sunburn.

4. Long-term Effects: There is a risk of long-term complications, such as changes in bladder function or potential damage to nearby organs. However, many of these side effects are temporary and can improve after treatment concludes.

Decision-Making
Given your mother's age and health status, it is crucial to weigh the benefits of radiation therapy against the potential side effects and financial implications. Engaging in open communication with her healthcare team is vital. They can provide insights into the necessity of each treatment session, the expected outcomes, and how to manage side effects effectively.

Conclusion
In summary, radiation therapy can be a critical component of treatment for stage II bladder cancer, especially when surgery is not an option. While the financial burden and potential side effects are valid concerns, discussing these openly with her medical team can help you make informed decisions about her care. It is essential to prioritize her quality of life while also considering the effectiveness of the treatment plan. Always remember that you have the right to seek a second opinion or further clarification on any treatment decisions.

Similar Q&A

Bladder Cancer Stage II: Chemotherapy and Radiation Treatment Options

Dear Doctor: My mother just underwent a cystoscopy and biopsy, and the doctor informed us that she has a stage II bladder cancer tumor, along with several smaller stage I tumors that were scraped away during the biopsy. There are also some tumors in her ureter. My mother has had ...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: At the beginning of treatment, most health insurance plans provide coverage. If the treatment does not show good results after a certain period, chemotherapy may suggest the use of out-of-pocket medications. You can discuss this with your physician. If it is required to pa...

Managing Ureteral Tumors in Elderly Patients with Bladder Cancer

Hello Doctor: My mother has stage II bladder cancer along with ureteral cancer. After undergoing endoscopic laser surgery and radiation therapy, the doctor mentioned that there is still a segment of the ureteral tumor that has not been removed. She is scheduled for another endosc...

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology
Based on your description, it seems that you are referring to an endoscopic laser tumor vaporization procedure, rather than a resection followed by suturing. Endoscopic surgery is generally considered to be safer than traditional open surgery. It is important to discuss the detai...

Understanding Ureteral Cancer: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns

Hello Dr. Lai: My mother was diagnosed with stage III ureteral malignant tumor in April of this year. She has undergone the removal of her left kidney, ureter, and a portion of the bladder. She is now preparing to undergo chemotherapy. I would like to ask: 1. Are there only two c...

Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Wu, 1. You have been diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma, and the standard treatment involves a chemotherapy regimen of Gemcitabine and Cisplatin, which is the first-line therapy and the most effective option available. 2. The medical center also utilizes this standard ...

Bladder Cancer Treatment Options: Surgery vs. Radiation and Chemotherapy

Hello Doctor, I would like to provide a brief overview of my father's condition. Since I haven't accompanied him to his appointments, some information may not be entirely accurate; I appreciate your understanding. About eight years ago, my father was diagnosed with ...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: 1) Urinary tract cancers, specifically stage 1 and stage 2, refer to the presence of lesions. Since bladder cancer can be multifocal, some lesions may not have been present three years ago but have developed since then. This is why physicians recommend regular follow-ups...