Condition
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer most commonly causes blood in the urine. Early diagnosis and an experienced surgical team are key to the best outcomes.
Common symptoms
- Blood in the urine (often painless)
- Frequent urination
- Burning or pain with urination
- Lower back or pelvic pain
Bladder cancer is one of the most common urologic cancers, and outcomes are excellent when it is caught early. The most common warning sign is blood in the urine — even a single episode is worth evaluating, especially if it is painless.
Risk factors
- Smoking — by far the strongest risk factor
- Workplace exposure to certain chemicals (rubber, leather, dye industries)
- Chronic bladder inflammation or recurrent infections
- Age over 55
- Family history of bladder cancer
How we diagnose it
Evaluation typically includes a urine sample, an in-office cystoscopy (a thin scope that lets us see inside the bladder directly), and imaging of the kidneys and ureters. If we find a tumor, the next step is a tissue biopsy under anesthesia.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on whether the cancer is confined to the lining of the bladder (non-muscle-invasive) or has grown into the muscle wall. Options range from in-office bladder treatments and outpatient procedures to robotic bladder removal for advanced disease. We coordinate closely with medical and radiation oncology when needed.