Bladder Cancer Specialists

Associated Urologists of North Carolina

Urologists located in Apex, Cary, Clayton, Dunn, Raleigh & Wake Forest, NC

A bladder cancer diagnosis can make you feel overwhelmed and lonely, but the compassionate and knowledgeable providers at Associated Urologists of North Carolina can offer medical support and guidance every step of the way. The skillful team provides empathic and efficient care to assist those with bladder cancer at seven locations in Apex, Cary, Clayton, Dunn, Raleigh, or Wake Forest, North Carolina. If you have bladder cancer or you’re concerned about blood in your urine or bladder health, call Associated Urologists of North Carolina to schedule an appointment today.

Bladder Cancer Q & A

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is a common type of cancer that begins in the urothelial cells lining the inside of your bladder, a muscular hollow organ in your lower abdomen that holds urine. Bladder cancer can also occur in other parts of your urinary system.

What are the Symptoms of Bladder Cancer?

Symptoms of bladder cancer include:

Hematuria, or blood in your urine
Painful urination
Pelvic pain
Back pain
Frequent urination

If you have blood in your urine and you’re experiencing symptoms, you should visit Associated Urologists of North Carolina for prompt evaluation and testing.

What Causes Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer happens when some of your bladder cells grow abnormally and develop mutations. The cancer cells don’t die as normal cells do, and instead, they start to grow out of control.

It isn’t clear what causes bladder cancer, but certain factors might play a role, such as:

Smoking
Chemical exposure and toxicity
Personal family history
Past radiation exposure
Chronic irritation or inflammation of the bladder lining

Parasitic infections might also be involved with bladder cancer.

The location where your cancer started determines the type of cancer you have. Different types of bladder cancer include squamous cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma (most common), and adenocarcinoma.

How is Bladder Cancer Treated?

Once your provider has diagnosed your bladder cancer through testing and imaging methods such as a biopsy, urine cytology, and cystoscopy, your provider develops a personalized treatment plan.

The right treatment for your cancer depends on its stage, grade, and type, your overall health and treatment preferences, and other factors. Your provider might recommend:

Healthy lifestyle changes, such as optimal nutrition, stress management, and weight loss
Immunotherapy (biological therapy)
Cystectomy (surgery to remove part of or all of the bladder)
Systemic chemotherapy or chemotherapy in the bladder
Surgery to remove cancerous tissue
Reconstruction following bladder removal to create a new way for urine to leave your body
Radiation therapy

A radical cystectomy procedure is used to remove your entire bladder, surrounding lymph nodes, and part of your ureters. Some radical cystectomies might involve removing certain areas of the reproductive system, such as the seminal vesicles and the prostate in men.

At Associated Urologists of North Carolina, your provider might perform bladder cancer surgery with an innovative robotic-assisted surgical system. With robotic-assisted surgery, your provider sits at a nearby console and uses hand controls to move robotic surgical instruments gently and precisely. This allows for smaller incisions, heightened control and precision, and a faster and smoother recovery.

Don’t be dismayed by bothersome bladder symptoms. Call Associated Urologists of North Carolina today for exceptional medical support.