Bladder Cancer Treatment in Indianapolis, IN

In 2013, 55,000 men and 18,000 women will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in the United States. As with other forms of cancer, bladder cancer is a product of a mutation within the cells that make up the bladder’s tissue. This mutation typically results in the formation of a cancerous tumor, which can be difficult to detect early on since there is no way to view the internal structure of the bladder without imaging tests such as an MRI.

If you’re looking to gain knowledge about bladder cancer for early diagnosis and prompt treatment, turn to Dr. Tatem, a board-certified urologist at Urology of Indiana. Dr. Tatem is committed to delivering compassionate urologic care to patients in Indianapolis, prioritizing their well-being. Leveraging cutting-edge urologic technology, Dr. Tatem offers a thorough diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Take the first step towards overcoming bladder cancer by contacting our esteemed urology clinic in Indianapolis, IN at (877) 362-2778. Discover the optimal bladder cancer treatment plan designed to enhance your quality of life under the expertise of Dr. Tatem.

What Are the Types of Bladder Cancer?

There are a variety of bladder cancers that an individual may encounter. The primary difference between these multiple types lies in the origin of the cancer. For example, bladder cancer that begins within the muscle cells is not the same as cancer that exists within the lining of the bladder.

The most common form of bladder cancer is known as urothelial carcinoma. This cellular mutation can affect not only the lining of the bladder but also the ureter and the urethra. Other variations of this condition include:

• Sarcoma
• Adenocarcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Small cell carcinoma

What are the States of Bladder Cancer?

In order to properly treat bladder cancer, your urologist needs to learn the extent of the disease. The stages of bladder cancer are:

• Stage 0. The cancer cells are found only on the surface of the inner lining of the bladder.
• Stage I. The tumor has grown deeper into the lining of the bladder.
• Stage II. The tumor has invaded the muscle layer of the bladder.
• Stage III. The tumor has grown through the muscle to tissues near the bladder.
• Stage IV. The tumor has invaded the wall of the pelvis or abdomen but has not spread to the lymph nodes.

What Are the Symptoms of Bladder Cancer?

Unfortunately, the early signs of bladder cancer are not always very clear, which is why you should remain especially vigilant should the following symptoms occur:

• Frequent urination
• Pelvic pain
• Pain with urination
• Blood in the urine
• Pain in the lower back

One of the best ways to catch bladder cancer in its earliest stages, potentially even before patients begin to notice its symptoms, is to complete a regular yearly physical. These standard examinations often require patients to provide a urine sample, which can alert your urologist of any abnormalities such as blood in the urine.

What is the Treatment for Bladder Cancer?

Due to the unique nature of each individual patient and their type of bladder cancer, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, these patients will typically select one or more of the following treatment options:

• Surgical removal of the bladder cancer
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Intravesical therapy

What are the Common Reasons for Getting Bladder Cancer?

When getting diagnosed with any cancer, it’s natural to wonder what caused the disease. Though there isn’t one definite answer, there are risk factors that may have caused the disease such as:

• Smoking. Smoking tobacco is the most common risk factor for bladder cancer.
• Working around chemicals. People who work in the dye, rubber, chemical, metal, textile, and leather industries have an increased risk of getting bladder cancers because the chemicals they are working with may be cancer-causing.
• Family history of bladder cancer. People with family members who had bladder cancer or having a personal history of bladder cancer increases the risk of getting bladder cancer.
• Arsenic. Arsenic may be found in drinking water in some areas of the world.