WHAT IS BLADDER CANCER?

Bladder Cancer develops when bladder cells start growing out of control. Cigarette smoking is the top risk factor for this type of cancer.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The most common symptom of Bladder Cancer is blood in the urine. You may also experience symptoms similar to a urinary tract infection which include an urgent need to urinate, pain when urinating, the inability to urinate or back pain.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

A urine test may be performed to detect blood or other substances in the urine. Urine samples may also be examined for cancerous or precancerous cells. Bladder Cancer is evaluated by inspecting the bladder with a cystoscopy, a thin tube with a lens and a light that can be threaded into the bladder. A biopsy may be taken to confirm the presence of cancer.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?

Bladder Cancer treatment is dependent on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. In superficial bladder cancer, the main treatment is usually minimally invasive surgery using a cystoscope. In patients whose cancer may have returned or spread, medication may be placed inside the bladder during treatment. Surgery to remove the bladder is the most common treatment for invasive bladder cancer. Radiation and/or chemotherapy can be used to treat cancer that has spread outside the bladder. Your Esse Health Urologist can explain your treatment options.