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Conditions  |  Bladder Cancer

Bladder Cancer

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells lining your bladder. The bladder is a balloon-like organ that stores your urine.

The most common sign of bladder cancer is blood in your urine. Your urine might look red, pink, or rusty. This is often painless. Other signs can include needing to urinate more often or having pain while urinating.

If you see blood in your urine, you should see a doctor right away.

How is it Found?

To find out if you have bladder cancer, a doctor will likely do a few things:

  • Urine Test: They will check your urine for blood and cancer cells.
  • Cystoscopy: A doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside your bladder. If they see a growth, they will take a small piece of it to test.
  • Imaging Tests: Scans like a CT scan or MRI can help your doctor diagnose and see if there is progression of disease.

How is it Treated?

The treatment for bladder cancer will depend on various findings. These findings will be discussed with you so you and your doctor can determine the best treatment plan.

Treatment options may include:

For early-stage bladder cancer (called non-muscle invasive):

  • Surgery: A surgeon can remove the tumor from the inside of the bladder using a special tool that goes through your urethra (the tube you pee from).
  • Medicine in the Bladder: A liquid medicine is put directly into your bladder to kill cancer cells and stop them from coming back.

For more advanced bladder cancer (called muscle-invasive):

  • Surgery: The entire bladder might need to be removed. If this happens, doctors will create a new way for your body to store and get rid of urine.
  • Chemotherapy: Strong medicines are used to kill cancer cells throughout your body.
  • Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells.
  • Immunotherapy: This treatment helps your own body’s immune system fight the cancer.
Living with a bladder cancer diagnosis can be tough, but you are not alone. Your medical team will work with you to create the best treatment plan. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek support from loved ones and support groups.

For more information on Bladder Cancer, we invite you to browse the following links:

American Cancer Society – https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/bladder-cancer.html

Urology Care Foundation – https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/n/non-muscle-invasive-bladder-cancer

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