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Bladder cancer is the 6th most common cancer that occurs in the elderly. Men are four times more predisposed than women to harbor this malady. Approximately 17,000 out of the 80,000 people diagnosed each year with bladder cancer do not survive the disease.
Like any other cancer, urinary bladder cancer also has the same propensity to invade the wall of the bladder and eventually migrate out to other parts of the body, leading to metastases. Risk factors are tobacco (in any form) usage, radiation, chronic infections, and occupational exposure to certain chemicals like Benzidine. Preventive measures like plenty of oral fluids, green-yellow vegetables, etc., have been proposed but not definitively proven yet to be effective.
Diagnosis is primarily based upon visualization of the tumor by doing a simple office procedure called cystoscopy, which means insertion of a small telescope through the urethra, offering a conclusive diagnosis. Then, it is staged using modalities like ultrasound, CT scans, etc., as the modality of treatment is determined by the extent of involvement of the disease.
At an early stage, it can safely be treated with endoscopic removal followed by regular follow-up for up to five years. Occasionally, on presentation, it is in an advanced stage requiring major surgery to remove the bladder and provide a diversion for the urine. Specialist onco-surgeons are capable of handling the situation at any stage of presentation. Fortunately, urologists like Dr. Sanjay Razdan are readily available to provide their services in this arena.
Dr. Sanjay Razdan is one of the most renowned Urologic Cancer Specialists in the United States. He has performed more than 9,000 cancer procedures successfully. Widely acclaimed for his exceptional results in cancer surgery, he has been instrumental in innovating advanced methods for achieving superior cancer control in a variety of clinical scenarios.
If you have any of the risk factors enumerated above or have a suspicion of bladder cancer, Dr Razdan may be contacted by clicking here.
Understanding Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is a form of cancer that occurs in the bladder, the organ that stores urine. It usually occurs in the inner lining of the bladder, called the urothelium.
Types of Bladder Cancer:
- Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC): The most common type of bladder cancer, this type of cancer represents more than 90% of all bladder cancer cases.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This type is less common but can develop in the bladder lining due to chronic inflammation.
- Adenocarcinoma: This type develops from the glandular cells in the bladder. This type is extremely rare.
In Florida, bladder cancer is a prevalent urological issue, with approximately 6,700 new cases diagnosed each year. Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer than women. The mortality rate is about four deaths per 100,000 people, resulting in over 1,000 fatalities annually in the state. Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment of bladder cancer.
What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Bladder Cancer?
The single most significant cause and risk factor for bladder cancer is smoking, along with several significant risk factors that include certain workplace chemical exposure, older age, and a family history of bladder cancer. Additional risk factors include chronic bladder infections, some chemotherapy drugs, drinking water from wells that contain arsenic, and some medications to treat diabetes, including pioglitazone.
Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
Here are some common symptoms of bladder cancer, including:
Urinary Symptoms: Blood in the urine (hematuria), frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, difficulty starting or stopping urination, and a weak urine stream.
Other Symptoms:
- Pain in the lower back or abdomen
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Bone pain
- Swelling in the legs or feet
Advanced Stage Symptoms: Visible blood clots in the legs, enlarged lymph nodes, Pain in the pelvis or groin, and recurring urinary tract infections
What are the Advanced Bladder Cancer Treatment Options Available?
Dr. Sanjay Razdan offers advanced, minimally invasive approaches to managing bladder cancer, individualized based on the patient’s needs and cancer stage. The main approaches are:
Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) – This minimally invasive procedure removes early-stage tumors through the urethra without external incisions.
Intravesical Therapy – This targeted approach delivers therapy directly into the bladder, either via BCG immunotherapy or chemotherapy, to kill cancer cells and prevent disease progression.
Robotic-Assisted Radical Cystectomy – An advanced robotic surgical approach using the da Vinci® Surgical System that offers high precision, the least amount of blood loss, and a quicker recovery process.
Urinary Diversion & Neobladder Reconstruction – A surgical reconstruction that restores normal urinary function after the bladder has been removed for the comfort of the patient.
Chemotherapy & Radiation Therapy – These treatments are used before surgery, or after surgery, to treat non-invasive tumors to shrink the tumor, kill remaining cancer cells, and keep the cancer from progressing.
Why Choose Dr. Sanjay Razdan for Bladder Cancer Treatment in Miami?
There are a variety of reasons why you should choose Dr. Razdan for bladder cancer treatment in Miami, some of which include the following:
- Expertise in robotic urologic surgery (using the da Vinci® system)
- Personalized and patient-focused approach
- Minimal scarring, reduced pain & faster recovery
- High success rates in cancer removal and preservation of urinary control
- State-of-the-art facilities in Miami
FAQs About Bladder Cancer Treatment
Question 1. What are the first signs of bladder cancer I should look out for?
Answer. Some of the most common early signs of bladder cancer that you should look out for include blood in the urine, frequent urination, pain during urination, and lower back or pelvic pain.
Question 2. Is bladder cancer curable if detected early?
Answer. Yes, bladder cancer can be successfully treated if detected early, and minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures like TURBT have high success rates.
Question 3. What is robotic-assisted bladder cancer surgery?
Answer. Advanced robotic technology, such as the da Vinci® Surgical System, is used in bladder cancer surgery to remove the bladder or tumor with greater precision and faster recovery.
Question 4. Does smoking really increase the risk of bladder cancer?
Answer. Yes, Smoking is one of the leading risk factors for bladder cancer because the kidneys filter harmful chemicals in tobacco and damage the bladder.