On 2/7, Doctor Tran Quoc Phong, Head of the Urology Unit at An Binh Hospital, reported that the patient was admitted with symptoms of hematuria, fatigue, and dysuria. Computed tomography scans and cystoscopy confirmed that the cancer had invaded beyond the bladder, spreading to the prostate. It also compressed the left ureter, leading to hydronephrosis and kidney function decline.
"This represents a severe stage of the disease, making treatment significantly more complex compared to cases diagnosed early", the doctor stated.
According to the patient, about three years ago, he first noticed his urine occasionally turning red, a symptom that became increasingly frequent. However, instead of seeking medical attention, he repeatedly purchased traditional Chinese and Vietnamese medicines from the market. He also used word-of-mouth remedies, hoping to stop the bleeding and "clear heat", believing his condition was merely "internal heat" or urinary stones.
His symptoms never fully disappeared, only subsiding intermittently before recurring. It was only when severe fatigue and dysuria set in that he sought emergency hospitalization.
Following a multidisciplinary consultation, doctors performed a radical cystectomy, combined with prostatectomy and urinary diversion. This procedure aimed to remove the cancerous lesion while preserving the remaining kidney function. Post-surgery, the patient's kidney function gradually improved. He is currently stable and continues cancer treatment according to the established protocol.
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Doctors operate on the patient. Photo: An Binh Hospital
Doctor Phong explained that hematuria is a significant indicator of urinary tract diseases. While this symptom can stem from inflammation, stones, or benign conditions, it is also frequently associated with bladder cancer and upper urinary tract cancer.
Many individuals experiencing hematuria do not seek immediate medical attention. Instead, they self-medicate with hemostatic drugs, traditional Eastern medicine, or products advertised online. Symptoms might temporarily lessen, leading to a false sense of recovery while the tumor continues its silent progression.
Experts state that early-detected bladder cancer can often be treated with transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), a procedure that helps preserve the bladder. However, when the tumor invades the muscle layer or spreads to adjacent organs, patients typically require major surgery, often combined with chemotherapy or other supplementary treatments.
Smoking stands as the primary risk factor for bladder cancer. Other contributing factors include prolonged exposure to industrial chemicals, chronic urinary tract infections, and advanced age.
Doctors advise against self-treatment without a definitive diagnosis. Symptoms such as hematuria, even if it occurs just once, prolonged painful urination (dysuria), difficulty urinating, or lower abdominal pain all warrant prompt examination by a urology specialist.
Le Phuong
