When it comes to diagnosing and treating certain urological cancers, our team at Affiliated Urologists provides nothing but the best patient care. The prognosis for bladder cancer, among other urological cancers, can change from good to poor pretty quickly depending on the stage and grade of cancer.
It’s imperative patients experiencing difficulty urinating, painful urination, blood in urine, back or abdominal pain, and/or loss of appetite see our specialists at Affiliated Urologists right away to rule out this serious health problem. Below is information on how balder cancer is diagnosed, what the risk factors are for this cancer, and what can be done in regards to treatment.
How it bladder cancer diagnosed?
Bladder cancer is usually diagnosed after an individual has made an appointment to get their signs and symptoms checked out. As alluded to previously, common side effects associated with bladder cancer are:
- Blood in urine (most common)
- Frequent urination
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Increased urgency to urinate
Our physicians will further investigate the blood in your urine and may perform some of the following tests:
Urinalysis- A urine sample will be tested to determine whether or not an infection is causing bleeding. If an infection is not present, you physician will move onto the another test.
Urine Cytology- A urine sample goes into a centrifuge machine to examine and test sediment for cancer cells.
Ultrasound- an ultrasound can detect swelling in the kidneys, cause of bleeding, etc.
CT or MRI Scan- An imagining diagnostic is one of the best ways to investigate the presence of bladder cancer. The scan can detect small tumors and causes of bleeding.
Cystoscopy and Biopsy- A cystoscope (camera with a light source) is used to investigate the bladder and help extract visual tumors for testing. A biopsy will help identify cancer cells.
What are the risk factors for bladder cancer?
Some risk factors include a history of other cancers, smoking, exposure to toxic chemicals (phenol, arsenic, aniline dye, etc.), age, and family history, etc. Avoidance of dangerous chemicals and smoking can decrease your risk of bladder significantly.
What treatment options are available for those with bladder cancer?
Treatment for bladder cancer may include a surgical procedure to remove the tumor and/or parts of the bladder. In severe cases, the entire bladder may be removed, and surgeons will create a new way for urine to leave your body (i.e. urostomy bag, neobladder, etc.). Other therapies may include immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. Call us today to schedule your appointment and discuss diagnostic and treatment options for bladder cancer.
Affiliated Urologists is an award-winning practice recognized both locally and nationally that has provided service to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities in the Valley, for over 40 years. The physicians emphasize top-of-the-line comprehensive urological care and strive to deliver the highest outcomes for patient satisfaction. To make an appointment, call 602-264-0608 or visit http://affiliatedurologists.com/contact/ for instructions on scheduling an appointment.
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.