Bladder Cancer Overview & Treatment Options
Bladder Cancer Care in La Mesa, CA
Evaluation and treatment planning for bladder cancer symptoms, blood in the urine, frequent or painful urination, cystoscopy, biopsy, staging, surgery, intravesical therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
Bladder cancer is a disease that affects the bladder, the organ that stores urine. The most common type of cancer develops in the cells on the inner lining of the bladder wall. If the cancer spreads through the lining, it is considered an invasive cancer. The majority of cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed at an early stage when they are highly treatable.
Bladder cancer evaluation near San Diego.
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides bladder cancer evaluation and treatment planning for patients in La Mesa and surrounding San Diego communities.
Types of Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancers, which are named for the kinds of cells that the tumors grow in, mainly fall into one of the following three categories.
Transitional-cell carcinoma begins in cells that make up the inner lining of the bladder. It is the most common type of bladder cancer.
Squamous-cell carcinoma is a rare form of bladder cancer that stems from rigid squamous cells, which resemble skin cells in shape and size.
Adenocarcinoma, the rarest form of bladder cancer, begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids. Adenocarcinomas originate from cells that have gland-like or secretory properties.
Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer
The exact cause of bladder cancer is unknown, but there are risk factors associated with its onset. They include the following:
- Smoking
- Increase in age
- Being male
- Being Caucasian
- Family history of cancer
- Exposure to carcinogens or cancer-causing substances
- Previous cancer treatments with cyclophosphamide
- Previous radiation treatments in the pelvic area
A history of smoking, occupational chemical exposure, prior pelvic radiation, or certain chemotherapy treatments can be important to discuss during a urology evaluation.
Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
Symptoms of bladder cancer are similar to those of most urological conditions, and include frequent and/or painful urination; blood in the urine; and pain in the back and/or pelvis.
Blood in the urine may be visible or may be found through urine testing.
Frequent or painful urination can overlap with many urologic conditions and should be evaluated.
Pain in the back or pelvis may be part of the symptom picture and should be discussed with a doctor.
Seek prompt medical evaluation for blood in the urine, persistent urinary symptoms, recurrent urinary tract infections, or unexplained pelvic or back pain.
Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer
To diagnose bladder cancer, a physician performs a physical examination, which includes checking the abdomen and pelvic areas for any abnormalities. It may also include a vaginal or rectal exam. After the physical exam, one or more of the following tests may be ordered:
- Urine test
- Cystoscopy
- Biopsy
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
- PET scan
Urine testing may help evaluate blood, abnormal cells, infection, or other urinary findings.
Cystoscopy allows the physician to look inside the bladder and evaluate abnormal areas.
Biopsy, IVP, PET scan, or other imaging may be used when appropriate.
Stages of Bladder Cancer
Once bladder cancer is diagnosed, a determination of its stage will be made. There are four stages: Stage I, in which cancer has invaded the bladder's inner lining but not the muscle lining; Stage II, in which cancer has invaded the muscle layer but is still confined to the bladder; Stage III, in which cancer cells have spread through the bladder wall to surrounding tissue; and Stage IV, in which cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, and, possibly, other organs.
Cancer has invaded the bladder's inner lining but not the muscle lining.
Cancer has invaded the muscle layer but is still confined to the bladder.
Cancer cells have spread through the bladder wall to surrounding tissue.
Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, and, possibly, other organs.
Treatment of Bladder Cancer
Treatment options for bladder cancer vary based on the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health and, in some cases, the patient's preference. Options include the following:
Bladder cancer surgery involves the removal of the cancerous tissue. Tumors may be surgically removed from the bladder in early-stage bladder cancer. If the cancer is far advanced, some or all of the bladder may be removed.
With chemotherapy, powerful medications are administered to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapeutic medicine may be administered in a variety of forms, including injections, pills and catheters. For patients with bladder cancer, the drugs are usually administered directly into the bladder in a procedure called intravesical chemotherapy.
High-energy X-rays or a similar type of radiation may be administered externally, internally, or both. External radiation therapy directs concentrated radiation at a tumor from outside the body. Internal radiation therapy implants radioactive material through the urethra, or through a small incision in the bladder near the cancerous tumor.
Immunotherapy is the stimulation and use of the body's own defenses to fight off cancer. It involves boosting the bladder's defensive abilities by injecting it with disease-fighting substances naturally produced by the body. Immunotherapy is only recommended when cancer is in its earlier stages.
Treatment planning depends on tumor type, stage, grade, recurrence risk, overall health, prior treatments, and patient goals. Your urologist can explain which options apply to your diagnosis.
Prevention of Bladder Cancer
Although there is no way to prevent it, the risk of getting bladder cancer may be reduced by quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, minimizing exposure to certain chemicals, and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush the bladder throughout the day.
Avoiding tobacco may help reduce bladder cancer risk.
Minimizing exposure to carcinogens or cancer-causing substances may help reduce risk.
A healthy diet and hydration can support urinary tract and overall health.
Common questions about bladder cancer.
These answers are general educational information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. A urologist can evaluate symptoms, order testing, and discuss next steps.
What is bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer is a disease that affects the bladder, the organ that stores urine. The most common type develops in cells on the inner lining of the bladder wall.
What are the main types of bladder cancer?
The main categories include transitional-cell carcinoma, squamous-cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. Transitional-cell carcinoma is the most common type.
What are risk factors for bladder cancer?
Risk factors may include smoking, increase in age, being male, being Caucasian, family history of cancer, exposure to carcinogens, previous cyclophosphamide treatment, and previous radiation treatment in the pelvic area.
What symptoms can bladder cancer cause?
Symptoms may include frequent urination, painful urination, blood in the urine, and pain in the back or pelvis.
How is bladder cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis may include a physical examination, urine test, cystoscopy, biopsy, intravenous pyelogram, PET scan, and additional testing when appropriate.
How is bladder cancer staged?
Staging describes how far the cancer has grown or spread. Stage I involves the inner lining but not the muscle lining; Stage II involves the muscle layer but remains in the bladder; Stage III spreads through the bladder wall to surrounding tissue; Stage IV spreads to lymph nodes and possibly other organs.
What treatments are available for bladder cancer?
Treatment options vary by stage, overall health, and patient preference. Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
Can bladder cancer risk be reduced?
Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent bladder cancer, risk may be reduced by quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, minimizing exposure to certain chemicals, and staying hydrated.
Where can I get bladder cancer evaluation near San Diego?
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides bladder cancer evaluation and treatment planning in La Mesa, CA, serving patients from San Diego, El Cajon, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, and nearby communities.
Credible educational references.
The educational information on this page is supported by reputable medical organizations and patient education resources. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Schedule a bladder cancer evaluation in La Mesa.
If you have blood in the urine, frequent or painful urination, pelvic pain, back pain, or a history of bladder cancer, Alvarado La Mesa Urology can evaluate your symptoms and discuss testing or treatment options.