Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for bladder cancer

Learn the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients with bladder cancer, suffering from radiation cystitis, and more

 

Bladder cancer makes up about 4% of cancers in the US. It is the fourth most common cancer in men, but it’s less common in women. [1] Bladder cancer develops when healthy bladder cells become abnormal and multiply rapidly, creating tumors that can disrupt bladder function. 

While treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are often used, radiation therapy can occasionally lead to side effects like radiation cystitis, a painful bladder inflammation. 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a helpful treatment option for managing these side effects by promoting healing and reducing inflammation. To learn more about bladder cancer and how HBOT can alleviate symptoms like radiation cystitis, continue reading.

 

Bladder cancer symptoms

Although bladder cancer can happen to anyone, about 9 out of 10 people with this cancer are over the age of 55. The average age of people when they are diagnosed with bladder cancer is 73. [1] The presence of blood in the urine (hematuria), which can cause a noticeable change in color to orange, pink, or occasionally dark red, is usually the first initial sign of bladder cancer. [2] Other typical symptoms can include painful or frequent urination, a persistent need to urinate, and discomfort in the back or the lower abdomen.

 

Types of Bladder cancer

• Urothelial carcinoma (transitional cell carcinoma): The most common type, starting in the urothelial cells lining the bladder. It can also affect the renal pelvis, ureters, and urethra.
• Urothelial carcinoma with divergent differentiation: May contain small areas of other cancer types, like squamous or glandular, usually without affecting treatment.

 

Other types of bladder cancer (less common):

• Squamous cell carcinoma: 3%-5% of bladder cancers; cells resemble flat skin cells.
• Adenocarcinoma: 1%-2% of cases; starts in gland-forming cells.
• Small cell carcinoma: Less than 1%; starts in neuroendocrine cells and grows quickly, often treated with chemotherapy.
• Sarcoma: Rare; starts in bladder muscle cells or connective tissues.: Rare; starts in bladder muscle cells or connective tissues. [3]

 

Radiation side effects: Radiation cystitis and more

Radiation therapy tries to avoid harming healthy cells, but sometimes it can. This can lead to side effects that may appear during, immediately after, or weeks later. In some cases, side effects can also cause delayed radiation injuries and can develop months or years after treatment. While side effects can accompany any bladder cancer treatment, the impact can differ significantly between individuals. Some may experience multiple side effects, while others may have minimal or no side effects.

Radiation side effects include: 

• an irritated or inflamed bladder, which can cause a need to urinate more often than usual, or blood in the urine
• fatigue
• skin problems
• diarrhea
• bleeding from the rectum
• loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence) [4]

 

Related resource:
The benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for cancer treatment relief

 

A common radiation side effect is radiation cystitis, which is a condition where the bladder lining becomes inflamed due to radiation therapy targeting the pelvic area, including the bladder. Some symptoms may resolve after radiation therapy, but others may continue for an extended period. 

 

Radiation cystitis symptoms include: 

• Pain and burning when urinating
• Blood in the urine
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Difficulty controlling urine flow
• Bladder spasms
• Pelvic discomfort [5]

 

Learn more:
How hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help with radiation damage

HBOT for radiation side effects

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can offer significant relief for bladder cancer patients experiencing the delayed side effects of radiation, such as radiation cystitis. HBOT can help repair radiation-damaged tissue by increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery to areas with poor blood flow. It stimulates tissue healing and the growth of new blood vessels, reducing symptoms such as bladder pain, frequent urination, and blood in the urine. 

HBOT has been proven effective in improving the quality of life for patients suffering from these radiation side effects, providing a low-risk, high-benefit treatment option. 

 

Want to learn more about hyperbaric oxygen therapy and cancer treatment relief?
Please visit our research library to view Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Cancer studies.

 

How we can help

At Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center, we’ve been honored to treat many cancer patients and survivors battling side effects from standard treatment methods, including radiation damage and slow-healing surgical wounds. 

Our caring, compassionate, and experienced team works to provide treatment to our patients so they find the highest level of relief possible.

With Medicare and many other insurance companies covering hyperbaric oxygen therapy for a variety of cancer treatment side effects, we can submit the claims to your insurance company directly, so that you can solely focus on your healing. 

 

Contact us today to learn how HBOT can help you or your loved one.

 

Sources:
1: The American Cancer Society | Key Statistics for Bladder Cancer
2: The American Cancer Society | Bladder Cancer Signs and Symptoms
3: The American Cancer Society | What Is Bladder Cancer?
4: Canadian Cancer Society | Radiation therapy for bladder cancer
5: National Cancer Institute | Radiation Cystitis