Approximately 80,000 cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed every year in the United States with 17,000 deaths. It is the fourth most common cancer in men and the fifth most common malignancy overall. Risk factors for bladder cancer include tobacco exposure, occupational exposures (aromatic amines), cyclophosphamide, pelvic radiation, chronic inflammation, arsenic exposure, and genetic syndromes.
The bladder is an important organ in the urinary tract. It is a hollow, balloon-shaped organ lying in the pelvis responsible for storing urine. Bladder cancer starts in the cells of the inner lining of the bladder and, if aggressive, can penetrate through the bladder to nearby structures. Although the condition is more common among older adults, it may also occur in younger people as well.
Hematuria (blood in the urine) is the most common presenting symptom in patients with bladder cancer with up to 34.5% of patients with gross (macroscopic) hematuria and up to 10.5% of patients with microscopic hematuria being diagnosed with bladder cancer. Other common symptoms include irritative voiding symptoms, such as urinary urgency and frequency, and burning on urination.
With multimodal therapies and medical technologies, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, the treatment of bladder cancer has advanced greatly over the last few years.
If you are diagnosed with bladder cancer, consult Dr. Shirin Razdan today to come up with a treatment plan that best suits you.
Dr. Razdan executes an excellent program for bladder cancer treatment at the Comprehensive Urological Surgery Institute in Miami, Florida, which is fully equipped for treating patients based on their specific medical comorbidities as well as grade and stage of cancer.
Why be treated by Dr. Shirin Razdan?
Dr. Shirin Razdan is skilled and experienced in eliminating bladder cancer using the most advanced surgical and medical therapies. She aims at preserving healthy bodily functions, including urinary function and sexual function. Her goal is to afford cancer cure while also maintaining quality of life.
She has successfully treated early-stage bladder cancer by using minimally invasive procedures, scopes, and robot-assisted surgery involving the making of very small incisions.
Schedule an Appointment
Though bladder cancer is common, the treatment involves complex procedures demanding special image guidance and vigilant care of an experienced and highly skilled surgeon like Dr. Shirin Razdan, who is a world-renowned robotic surgeon trusted for her surgical skill and expertise in treating bladder cancer. She is devoted to a patient-first approach to healthcare while providing a welcoming environment at her advanced, well-equipped facility in Miami.
If you are seeking expert urological care, schedule an appointment with Dr. Razdan today, which can be done either by calling 305-468-3314 or filling out the contact form on the website.
FAQs
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What are the different types of bladder cancer?
Urothelial carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer. This amounts to about 9 out of 10 bladder cancers. Also referred to as transitional cell carcinoma, this cancer originates from cells on the surface of the inner lining of the bladder. Most of the urothelial carcinomas are categorized as Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancers (NMIBC), a term used for describing a cancer that stays within the inner linings of the bladder.
Some of the less common types of bladder cancer include:
- Adenocarcinoma
- Micropapillary
- Plasmacytoid
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Small cell carcinoma
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What are the risk factors associated with bladder cancer?
The most common risk factors include smoking and tobacco. Cigarette smokers are said to be at four times higher risk than nonsmokers to get this cancer. According to some studies, smoking is responsible for 50% of all bladder cancers. About 2 out of every 3 individuals (having a history of smoking) gets diagnosed with bladder cancer.
Other risk factors include constant exposure to chemicals such as rubber, textiles, dye, leather, paint, etc. Those working in the printing industry may also be at higher risk.
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How is bladder cancer diagnosed?
Bladder cancer can be diagnosed on certain imaging studies such as CT scan or MRI, but an office procedure called cystoscopy is the best way to diagnose. Cystoscopy involves inserting a small flexible camera into the urethra (the small tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside your body) and examining the bladder, prostate (in men), and urethra. If a tumor is detected, this can be biopsied and urine can be examined to check for malignant cells.
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How is bladder cancer treated?
The treatment for bladder cancer is based on various factors, including the following:
- The type of bladder cancer
- The extent or stage of cancer
- Overall health of patient
The treatment for bladder cancer is usually a combination of therapies, including radiation or chemotherapy, in conjunction with surgery to remove the tumor itself. Cystectomy (surgery to remove all or part of the bladder) may also be considered.
If you are looking for exceptional urological care, schedule a visit at the facility of Dr. Shirin Razdan today.