What is bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer is a disease that causes the cells in your bladder to divide and multiply uncontrollably. The bladder is a hollow, balloon-shaped organ that stores urine before it’s released through the urethra.
Often, bladder cancer begins in the urothelial cells that line the bladder. It’s one of the few cancers frequently diagnosed at an early stage, making it highly treatable.
What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?
Common symptoms of bladder cancer include:
- Frequent urination
- Blood in the urine
- Painful urination
- Back pain
As the condition worsens, you might also experience pelvic pain or difficulty completely emptying your bladder.
When should I see a urologist regarding bladder cancer?
If you notice your urine appears bright red or cola-colored, make an appointment with the team at Hemet Valley Urology Medical Center right away. The underlying cause may be something completely benign, but it’s important to get it checked out just in case.
What are the types of bladder cancer?
At Hemet Valley Urology Medical Center, the team treats several types of bladder cancer, including:
Urothelial carcinoma
Urothelial carcinoma occurs in the urothelial cells that line the bladder, ureters, and urethra. These cells contract when your bladder is empty and expand when it's full. Of all the types of bladder cancer, urothelial carcinoma is the most common.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma causes persistent bladder irritation. It’s uncommon in the United States and typically occurs due to a specific type of parasitic infection.
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that affects the mucous-producing cells of the bladder. Like squamous cell carcinoma, it’s uncommon in the US.
How is bladder cancer diagnosed?
The team at Hemet Valley Urology Medical Center offers several tests to diagnose bladder cancer. Depending on your age and medical history, they might recommend:
- Cystoscopy (using a scope to examine your bladder)
- Biopsy (removing a sample of tissue for testing)
- Urinalysis (examining a urine sample)
- Imaging tests like computerized tomography (CT) urogram
If the team determines you have bladder cancer, they might order additional tests to see if it's spread to other parts of your body.
How is bladder cancer treated?
Treatment of bladder cancer depends on the stage of cancer, the type, your health, and treatment preferences. Usually, the team recommends a combination of surgical intervention and chemotherapy. You might also benefit from radiation therapy or immunotherapy.
To explore treatment for bladder cancer, make an appointment at Hemet Valley Urology Medical Center by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool today.
