What is bladder cancer?
Your bladder is the hollow organ in your lower abdomen that stores urine. Bladder cancer occurs when cells in your bladder mutate and grow abnormally.
The most common form of bladder cancer is called urothelial carcinoma. In this type of bladder cancer, cancer forms in the cells that line the inside of your bladder.
What are the risk factors for bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer in the United States. It’s more common in men and people over 65, but anyone can get bladder cancer, regardless of gender or age. Other risk factors include:
- Tobacco use
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Chronic urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones
- Past radiation exposure to the abdomen or pelvis
- Family history
As with all cancers, the earlier you catch bladder cancer, the better your chances of survival.
What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer symptoms to watch for include:
- Blood in your urine
- Frequent urination
- Pain while urinating
- Pelvic pain
- Back pain
Because these symptoms are not unique to bladder cancer, if you experience any of them, it’s important to see a urologist like Dr. Klope for a thorough examination and diagnosis.
How is bladder cancer diagnosed?
Dr. Klope performs all diagnostic tests in-house. If you see blood in your urine or have any other bladder cancer symptoms, Dr. Klope may perform the following tests:
- Cystoscopy: Dr. Klope inserts a thin, lighted tube into your urethra that allows him to see inside your bladder and look for signs of cancer and other abnormalities.
- Biopsy: If the results of the cystoscopy procedure indicate cancer, Dr. Klope may perform a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), a type of biopsy to remove the tumor as well as a small amount of tissue near the tumor to be examined in a lab. Based on the results, Dr. Klope may perform additional biopsies.
If bladder cancer is detected, other procedures such as a CT scan or MRI may be ordered to determine if the cancer has spread.
How is bladder cancer treated?
A TURBT is both a diagnostic procedure and the standard treatment option to remove cancerous tumors. In addition to TURBT, Dr. Klope may refer you to an oncologist for chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy to help kill small tumors or remaining cancerous cells.
If you’ve noticed blood in your urine or pain while urinating, schedule a consultation with Dr. Klope today — call or book an appointment online.
