What is the treatment for localized bladder cancer?

Localized bladder cancer is typically treated with a focus on removing the tumor while preserving as much bladder function as possible. The correct approach often involves a transurethral resection (TUR), which allows for the removal of superficial tumors from the bladder wall. This procedure is performed using electrocautery, which helps to minimize bleeding and can be effective in treating lower-grade tumors that have not invaded deeper tissues.

Transurethral resection is often followed by surveillance to monitor for recurrence, and it may be combined with intravesicular therapy, such as BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) therapy, in cases with certain risk factors. This initial intervention is essential in localized cases, as it assists in staging the cancer and can be curative for superficial tumors.

Other treatment options such as radical cystectomy, chemotherapy, and intravesicular BCG therapy are more appropriate in different scenarios. Radical cystectomy is reserved for more advanced or invasive cancers, while chemotherapy may be used for muscle-invasive disease or metastatic cancer. BCG therapy, while effective for superficial bladder cancer, is not a primary treatment alone; it's often used after initial resection to prevent recurrence but is not the first step in management.