Bladder Cancer
Painless blood in the urine deserves a prompt answer.
For: Anyone with visible or microscopic blood in the urine, or a prior bladder tumor.
Overview
Understanding Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer most often begins in the urothelial lining of the bladder. The great majority is non-muscle-invasive at diagnosis, which is highly treatable but has a real tendency to recur, so disciplined surveillance is as important as the first treatment. Painless blood in the urine is the classic presenting sign and always deserves evaluation.
Symptoms
Signs worth an evaluation
- Visible blood in the urine, typically without pain
- Microscopic blood found on a routine urinalysis
- Urinary urgency, frequency, or burning without infection
- Recurrent urinary infections that do not fully resolve
- Pelvic or flank discomfort in more advanced disease
Causes
Causes and risk factors
- Cigarette smoking, the single largest modifiable risk factor
- Occupational exposure to aromatic amines in dye, rubber, paint, and chemical work
- Chronic bladder irritation, long-term catheter use, or recurrent infection
- Prior pelvic radiation or certain chemotherapy agents
- Age over 55 and male sex
Diagnosis
How we evaluate it
- 1Urinalysis and urine cytology
- 2Cystoscopy to directly inspect the bladder lining
- 3CT urogram to evaluate the kidneys, ureters, and bladder
- 4Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) for tissue diagnosis and staging
- 5Urinary tumor marker testing in selected patients
Testing is chosen for your situation. Not every patient needs every step listed here.
Treatment
Treatment options we offer
TURBT
Endoscopic resection that both removes the tumor and establishes grade and stage. Frequently the definitive treatment for non-muscle-invasive disease.
Intravesical therapy
BCG immunotherapy or intravesical chemotherapy instilled into the bladder to reduce recurrence and progression.
Structured surveillance cystoscopy
A defined follow-up schedule so recurrences are caught early, when they remain easy to treat.
Radical cystectomy and reconstruction
For muscle-invasive or high-risk disease, with urinary diversion planned around your anatomy and lifestyle.
Multidisciplinary systemic care
Coordination with medical oncology for neoadjuvant chemotherapy or immunotherapy when indicated.
Why choose PSUMG
Specialist care for bladder cancer, close to home.
In-office cystoscopy with Nitronox available for comfort during the procedure
Urologic oncology expertise for staging decisions, not just resection
A written surveillance schedule so nothing is left to chance after treatment
Most bladder cancers are found early and managed without removing the bladder. The priority is a fast, definitive answer about what you are dealing with.
Learn More
For additional patient education, explore these trusted resources.
Medical Disclaimer. This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual medical needs.