When it’s diagnosed and treated early, bladder cancer has an excellent prognosis. Modern Urology specialists Jose Vilaro, MD, and Adam De Fazio, MD, JD, are highly experienced urologists equipped with the advanced skills needed to effectively treat bladder cancer in their Miami, Florida, office. Schedule your consultation online or call the office for compassionate support now.
Bladder cancer is the sixth-most common cancer in Americans. It most commonly happens when cancer cells grow in the lining of the bladder, the hollow organ that stores urine.
Noninvasive bladder cancer is confined to the bladder, while invasive bladder cancer spreads to the organs and lymph nodes near the bladder. Both noninvasive and invasive bladder cancer require treatment.
Bladder cancer is three times as common in men. It most commonly affects older Americans, with the majority of bladder cancer patients being age 75-84.
Although bladder cancer can affect people of all races, it’s generally more common in Caucasians today.
Other factors may contribute to the development of bladder cancer, including genetics, smoking, and exposure to chemicals like arsenic or certain manufacturing dyes.
Bladder cancer symptoms aren’t always the same from person to person, but some issues to watch out for include:
All of these symptoms require medical evaluation right away.
Cystoscopy — viewing your bladder from within — is one common test to check for bladder cancer. Your provider will likely take a small piece of tissue during the cystoscopy (a biopsy) to evaluate the tissue later in the lab.
Other tests to diagnose bladder cancer include urine cytology (microscopic exam of your urine) blood tests, and computerized tomography (CT) scan.
Bladder cancer treatment can depend on whether it’s noninvasive or invasive, as well as the stage of the cancer.
You could need additional imaging tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), or chest X-rays so your provider can grade the cancer and determine the ideal treatment plan.
The main treatment options for bladder cancer include:
Your Modern Urology provider takes the time to discuss your treatment needs, all of the options, and your personal wishes with you to help you decide which bladder cancer treatment will give you the best results.
Bladder cancer is highly treatable, so don’t wait to get the specialized care you need. Call Modern Urology or click on the online booking link today.