Bladder Cancer

Our Approach

Bladder Cancer is a form of cancer that begins in your bladder, the organ located in the pelvic region that is responsible for storing urine. Other organs that may be affected by bladder cancer include the prostate (in men) and the uterus (in women).

Treatment for bladder cancer will depend on what type of bladder cancer you have, what stage your cancer has reached and your preferences. Your options may include surgery to remove the tumor, biologic therapy to trigger your immune system to fight the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of these. In advanced stages, surgery may be required to remove part of or the entire bladder, or to create a new way for you to pass urine.

How is bladder cancer diagnosed?

Bladder cancer can be diagnosed in several ways. These include imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans (computed tomography), to provide a detailed picture of the inside of your urinary tract. Your doctor may perform a microscopic analysis of your urine for blood and cancer cells, known as urine cytology.

Your doctor may also perform a procedure known as cystoscopy, in which a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera is inserted into the urethra. This allows your doctor to examine the inside of your bladder directly. Patients are usually given a local anesthetic during this procedure.

Signs and symptoms of bladder cancer include:

• Frequent urination
• Painful urination
• Pain in your pelvic region and/or your back
• Blood in your urine