Bladder Cancer Specialist

What is bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer is a common cancer that affects cells in the bladder, an organ that stores urine. When diagnosed in its early stages, bladder cancer is highly treatable. At the first sign of bladder cancer, see the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, team for an evaluation.

What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?

Signs and symptoms often associated with bladder cancer include:

• Frequent urination
• Pain while urinating
• Blood in urine
• Red- or cola-colored urine
• Back pain

You might not have any noticeable symptoms, which is why a bladder cancer screening is important if you’re at risk of developing the condition.

What are the risk factors for bladder cancer?

While bladder cancer can happen to anybody, some factors increase your risk of developing it. Examples include:

• Being older than age 55
• Smoking
• Male gender
• Exposure to chemicals
• Chronic bladder inflammation
• Ongoing urinary infections
• Family or personal history of cancer
• Previous cancer treatment

To reduce your risk of developing bladder cancer, don’t smoke, reduce workplace chemical exposure, and eat a healthy diet full of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
 

How does my doctor diagnose bladder cancer?

To find out if you have bladder cancer, your Houston Cancer Institute, PA specialist reviews your medical history and symptoms. They complete a physical examination and may recommend cystoscopy to view the inside of your bladder. 

Your doctor might also suggest a bladder biopsy (tissue sample), urine testing, bone scans, CT scans, X-rays, MRIs, PET scans, or other imaging procedures to diagnose your condition and determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body.

What are my bladder cancer treatment options?

Depending on the severity of your bladder cancer, your specialist may recommend one of the following treatments:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medications to kill bladder cancer cells. Your specialist may use multiple chemotherapy drugs to give you the best outcome. They often administer chemotherapy medications intravenously (through an IV).

Intravesical Chemotherapy

Intravesical chemotherapy is much like traditional chemotherapy, but instead of using medications through an IV, the medications are delivered directly to the bladder via the urethra. 

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy methods are alternative options to traditional chemotherapy that may prove effective when chemotherapy has not. 

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses X-ray or proton energy beams to destroy cancer cells. A special machine moves around your body to deliver the energy to targeted areas.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a drug treatment that helps your body’s immune system fight cancer. Your doctor can administer immunotherapy directly into your bladder or through a vein.

Surgery 

Surgical procedures can remove cancerous tissues in your bladder, part of your bladder, or all of your bladder if necessary.   

Your doctor may recommend more than one type of bladder cancer treatment to help you make a full recovery.

Staging your cancer 

To determine the best treatment for your  cancer, the team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, stages your cancer using state-of-the-art Cat Scan or PET/CT imaging.

The scans show how large the tumor is, how deeply it extends , and whether it's spread to other areas. This will help our team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA  identify what stage of cancer you  have and tailor your treatment plan to that stage for optimal outcomes and recovery. 

To find out if you have bladder cancer or receive exceptional treatment in a comfortable environment, call the nearest Houston Cancer Institute, PA, office or schedule an appointment online today.