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Nearly 85,000 new cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. If you experience blood in your urine or painful or frequent urination, turn to Mission City Urology in San Antonio, Texas. Board-certified urologist Arpan Satsangi, MD, PhD, and the rest of the medical staff screen for and treat bladder cancer to avoid life-threatening complications. Schedule an evaluation today at Mission City Urology by phone or online.
Bladder Cancer Q & A
What is bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer is a relatively rare cancer that forms in the lining of the bladder, a hollow organ that holds urine. Early detection and treatment of bladder cancer reduces your risk of the cancer spreading to other areas of your body, including nearby lymph nodes, bones, the liver, and lungs. See Dr. Satsangi at the first sign of a problem.
What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?
Symptoms of bladder cancer include:
- Blood in the urine
- Pain during urination
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent urination
- Persistent bladder infections
These or similar symptoms might not necessarily indicate cancer, but it’s important that you schedule an evaluation to pinpoint the underlying cause and undergo treatment when necessary.
What are the risk factors for bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer risk factors include:
- Being male
- Being 55 or older
- Being Caucasian
- Radiation exposure
- Smoking
- Undergoing chemotherapy
- Chemical exposure
- Chronic use of catheters
- Frequent bladder infections
- Family history of cancer
This type of cancer is the fourth most common type in men. Men are four times more likely than women to develop bladder cancer.
How is bladder cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosing bladder cancer at Mission City Urology requires a review of your medical history and symptoms, a physical exam, and diagnostic testing.
You’ll need to undergo a urinalysis, cystoscopy (inserting a thin, lighted tube to view the inside of your urethra and bladder), or cytology, in which Dr. Satsangi checks for cancerous cells under a microscope. You might also undergo a bladder tumor resection, MRI, CT scan, X-rays, or bone scanning.
How is bladder cancer treated?
The contents of your personalized bladder cancer treatment plan will depend on its severity. Dr. Satsangi can remove cancerous tissues during surgery. You might be a candidate for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or other cancer treatments. Early detection and treatment is the best way to beat bladder cancer.
Cancer prevention strategies include not smoking, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding chemical exposure. See Dr. Satsangi at the first sign of a problem.
Schedule a bladder cancer evaluation today at Mission City Urology by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.