Bladder Cancer Specialist

What is bladder cancer?

The three prevalent types of bladder cancer are urothelial carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. The different types of bladder cancer are identified by the originating cells.

Your bladder is a hollow, inflatable pelvic organ that stores urine before it leaves the body. Bladder cancer develops in the muscular walls of the organ and the urothelium — the lining of your bladder and urethra.

As bladder cancer grows, the tumor can grow into or through the bladder wall and eventually spread to other pelvic tissues and organs. It can even spread to your lymph nodes and travel throughout your body, affecting your bones, lungs, and liver.

Your risk of bladder cancer is higher if you have a family history of the disease. Smoking and other uses of tobacco products also significantly increases your chances of developing bladder cancer.

What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?

Some of the common symptoms of bladder cancer include:

• Blood in your urine
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Painful urination
• Lower abdominal pain
• Back pain

It’s also possible to have bladder cancer and not experience any symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease. Finding blood in your urine is a clear sign that you need to be tested to find out what’s causing the bleeding.

How is bladder cancer diagnosed?

The team at Wellness Oncology & Hematology uses a variety of diagnostic tests and tools to identify bladder cancer. Some of the standard tests include:

• Blood tests
• Urinalysis
• CT scans
• Cystoscopy

A cystoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure. Your doctor inserts a cystoscope — a thin tube with a light and a camera on its tip — through your urethra and into your bladder. The cystoscope sends a video feed from inside your bladder to a monitor in the treatment room, allowing your doctor to examine your bladder for signs of abnormal cells or tumors.

Your doctor can also take a biopsy during a cystoscopy for further lab tests.

How is bladder cancer treated?

The oncologists at Wellness Oncology & Hematology provide a wide range of treatments for bladder cancer. Your doctor creates your treatment plan to address your specific needs. Some of the available therapies include:

• Cystoscopic tumor resection
• Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT)
• Intravesical immunotherapy
• Intravesical chemotherapy
• Surgical bladder removal

Your oncologist can explain all of your treatment options and will answer any questions you have to empower you to make the best decision about your treatment. 

If you’re looking for an expert oncologist to diagnose and treat bladder cancer, call Wellness Oncology & Hematology or make an appointment online today.