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Bladder Cancer

At SouthWest Urology, our physicians are highly specialized in treating urologic cancers with the most advanced techniques. Using a team approach, we strive for excellence. We work with each patient to specifically tailor their treatment to their own clinical situation. One of the common diseases that we treat is bladder cancer.

The bladder is in the lower abdomen and its function is to store and expel urine. The bladder has an elastic muscular wall that allows it to contract and expand as urine is stored or emptied. When cells of the bladder grow abnormally, they can become bladder cancer.
Cancer that is confined to the lining of the bladder is called superficial bladder cancer. Cancer that invades into the muscular wall of the bladder or beyond is called invasive bladder cancer.
Bladder cancer symptoms are nonspecific and sometimes can represent other urologic disorders. For this reason, our physicians perform specific screening studies to aid in the diagnosis. At

SouthWest Urology, we perform a step-by-step approach to ensure the precise diagnosis is made for each patient. It is very important to do a comprehensive bladder cancer work-up to carefully evaluate the extent of bladder cancer. SouthWest Urology has the tools necessary to accurately stage the cancer assuring best treatment choice and outcome.

  • Examining a urine sample (urine cytology)
  • Blood tests
  • Using a scope to examine the inside of your bladder (cystoscopy)
  • Removing a sample of tissue for testing (biopsy)
  • Imaging studies
  • CT urogram
  • Retrograde pyelogram
  • CT Abdomen/Pelvis
  • MRI
  • PET
  • Bone scan
  • Chest X-Ray

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer Include:

  • Blood in urine (hematuria), which may cause urine to appear bright red or cola colored, though sometimes the urine appears normal, and blood is detected on a lab test. This is often seen without pain.
  • Frequent urination
  • Painful urination
  • Pain in lower abdominal area
  • Back pain

Because these symptoms may overlap with those of other conditions, it is important to get the correct diagnosis to find the right treatment. To help determine the best option for you the American Cancer Society recommends proper screenings.

How do we treat bladder cancer?

Bladder Cancer treatment depends on the extent of the cancer within your body. SouthWest Urology will take careful steps to stage and grade the tumor to assess the best way to create and manage your treatment plan. Our goal is to achieve the very best outcome while preserving your quality of life.

  • Transurethral resection of the bladder (TURBT)
  • Intravesical chemotherapy
  • Intravesical immunotherapy with BCG
  • Partial cystectomy
  • Radical cystectomy with urinary diversion
  • Radiation
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy

Why Choose Us?

  • Nine highly trained, collaborative urological specialists all taking new patients
  • Three locations across the northern Ohio region
  • Consultation appointments scheduled within 5-7 days of referral
  • One-stop office for a wide range of urological conditions for both males and females
  • In-office lab testing and imaging
  • In-office medication dispensary
  • Comprehensive cancer care including kidney, ureter, bladder, prostate, and testicular cancers
  • Clinical navigation for BPH, Overactive Bladder and Prostate Cancer
  • Clinical Trials
  • We accept most insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, and VA