Welcome to our health education library. The information shared below is provided to you as an educational and informational source only and is not intended to replace a medical examination or consultation, or medical advice given to you by a physician or medical professional.

Treating Bladder Cancer: RadiationTratamiento del c¡ncer de vejiga: Radiaci³n

Treating Bladder Cancer: Radiation

Radiation is a way of treating cancer. Radiation uses beams of energy to destroy cancer cells. With each dose, the tumor gets smaller. The cancer cells die and healthy cells take their place. Radiation may be used alone or with chemotherapy, and may be done before or after surgery.

Image of patient undergoing procedure

Destroying Cancer Cells with Radiation

Your radiation oncologist designs a treatment plan for you. This plan is based on an evaluation of your disease and overall health. Radiation may be directed at the bladder itself and other areas to which the cancer may have spread.

During Treatment

You're asked to change into a gown. A technician positions you on the table. Short doses of radiation are aimed at the target areas. Each treatment lasts a few minutes and is given once a day, 5 days a week, for 5-7 weeks. Because some nearby tissue is affected, you may have side effects.

After Treatment

You can return to your normal activities soon after each visit. You may still notice some side effects after your full course of treatment has ended. These usually clear up within a few weeks.

Short-Term Side Effects

Mild to moderate diarrhea
Bladder irritation (burning, frequent urination)
Mild fatigue (low energy)
Some loss of pubic hair
Rectal irritation or bleeding (rare)

Risks and Possible Complications

Continued bladder irritation
Loss of bladder function
Impotence (problems with erections)
Bleeding from bladder (rare)
Permanent damage to intestine or rectum (rare)

Date Last Reviewed:

Date Last Modified: 2002-07-09T08:40:50-06:00

Contact us at Northwest Oncology & Hematology. You can reach us at 847.870.4100 (Rolling Meadows office), 847.437.3312 (Elk Grove Village office), 847.885.4100 (Hoffman Estates office), 847.842.0180 (Barrington office) and 847.577.1023 (Elgin office). For your convenience, you can also use our New Patient Appointment online form to schedule your consultation with us.

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