MemorialCare Cancer Institute at:
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer occurs in the bladder – the organ, located in the pelvic area that stores urine. The most common bladder cancer forms on the inside bladder lining.
Symptoms
Bladder cancer symptoms may include:- Blood in urine.
- Painful urination.
- Frequent urination.
Causes & Prevention
The causes of bladder cancer are unknown. To help prevent bladder cancer, take antioxidant vitamins and do not smoke. Understanding your genetic make-up with genetic counseling can help determine your risk.
Risk Factors
You are at a greater risk for bladder cancer if you:- Smoke or are exposed to smoke.
- Are exposed to manufacturing chemicals used in dyes, rubber, leather, textiles and paint products.
- Are exposed to drugs with cyclophosphamide or arsenic – used to treat cancer and some other conditions.
- Are over the age of 40.
- Are Caucasian.
- Are male.
- Have a family history of bladder cancer or have inherited certain mutations in genes that can increase the risk of bladder cancer.
- Or, have had bladder cancer before.
Diagnosis
After a physical exam of the abdomen and pelvis, which may include a rectal or vaginal exam, lab tests of the urine may be taken to check for blood and cancer cells. An X-ray of the bladder (intravenous pyelogram) may be taken by injecting dye into the blood stream which then collects in the urine and is detectable by X-ray. A physician may also perform a cystoscopy by placing a tiny light tube (cystoscope) through the urethra to examine the lining of the bladder in order to diagnose bladder cancer.
Staging
If cancer is diagnosed and before treatment begins, additional tests are performed to determine the stage of the cancer and to see if it has spread to other parts of the body.
Treatments
MemorialCare’s experienced team of oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and surgeons conduct roundtable discussions (tumor boards) of newly diagnosed patients to make recommendations for the best course of treatment.
