- 1101 Glendale Blvd., Unit 107 A, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383
- (219) 286-6888
- 1101 Glendale Blvd., Unit 107 A, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383
The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular organ that stores urine before it exits the body. Cancer of the bladder generally starts in the innermost layer of the bladder that’s in contact with the urine called the urothelium. As the cancer grows, it can invade deeper structures of the bladder wall and even spread to surrounding adjacent organs and beyond. Known risk factors for bladder cancer include cigarette smoking, certain chemotherapy drugs, recurrent bladder infections and foreign bodies such as stones, urinary catheters and other environmental toxins (carcinogens).
When caught early, bladder cancer can be highly treatable. Nonetheless, it is recommended that patients undergo continuous monitoring after their treatment to identify any cancer recurrences early, if and when they occur.
Symptoms of bladder cancer may mimic many other urological conditions and may include:
Diagnosing bladder cancer requires imaging as well as tissue sampling. This allows the physician to accurately diagnose the type of cancer you may have so we can determine the best treatment plan for you.
Cystoscopy refers to using a small camera to look inside the bladder and allows sampling (biopsy) of abnormal tissue at the same time if necessary.
Imaging studies such as CT scans and/or MRIs are often used to identify potential cancerous tissue in other parts of the body. This is referred to as staging of the cancer.
Urine testing may be obtained to check for blood, infection and cancerous cells.
Surgical removal of the bladder cancer using a cystoscope is usually the first step in the management of bladder cancer. This is both diagnostic and therapeutic. Many times this treatment alone may be effective. Other times, additional treatment will be necessary to completely eliminate the cancer. This additional therapy may involve additional surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Depending on the cancer type and its stage, chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be administered either directly into the bladder or through the intravenous route.
The more advanced and aggressive the cancer, the higher the chance of needing additional treatments of different kinds to treat it.
Locally advanced bladder cancer may require entire removal of the bladder and creation of a substitute bladder using a piece of intestine (bowel).
Yes, routine checks are highly recommended following treatment for bladder cancer given its high recurrence rate. Please talk to your doctor about your specific cancer and their monitoring recommendations.
Yes, there are a few different types of bladder cancers, but urothelial carcinoma is the most common type. Other types include, but are not limited to, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, small cell carcinoma and sarcoma.
When they are small, non invasive and caught early, bladder cancer can be very curable.
We are dedicated to compassionate and comprehensive urologic care, offering you necessary and appropriate evaluations and treatments that you may need to feel and be healthy. With years of experience in urologic care, we are the team that you can trust.
Urologic Surgery of NWI is your source of reliable information and excellent urologic cancer care in the region. We closely collaborate with our radiation oncology and medical oncology colleagues to improve your cancer outcomes. Please contact us today to schedule your consultation appointment.
We will work together to jointly find the best treatment plan for you. We respect your wishes and are here to empower you to make your own decisions regarding your health and well being. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
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