Bladder cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer in the United States; around 81,000 people are diagnosed annually. The team of oncologists at Wellness Oncology & Hematology, with offices in West Hills and Tarzana, California, offers expert diagnosis and customized treatment to help you fight bladder cancer and restore the quality of your life.
Patients throughout the San Fernando Valley, including West Hills, Tarzana, and the surrounding Los Angeles area, choose Wellness Oncology & Hematology for bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment close to home.
Bladder Cancer Q & A
What is bladder cancer?
The three most common types of bladder cancer are urothelial carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. The different types of bladder cancer are identified by the originating cell type.
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 increase 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.
What increases the risk of bladder cancer recurring?
Bladder cancer has a high rate of recurrence, even after successful treatment, which is why ongoing monitoring matters. Your Wellness Oncology & Hematology team will recommend a follow-up schedule, often including regular cystoscopies and urine tests, to catch any recurrence early. Continuing to avoid tobacco use and managing other risk factors can also help lower your risk of recurrence.
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 your treatment options and answer any questions you have, empowering 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.
Call the West Hills office at 818-346-1773 or the Tarzana office at 818-705-3900 to schedule your consultation.
If you're looking for an expert oncologist to diagnose and treat bladder cancer, call Wellness Oncology & Hematology or request an appointment today.
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