Bladder cancer treatment options depend on the stage at which your cancer is. Radiation therapy, which may include radiosurgery (a highly technical form of radiation therapy) and chemotherapy are two procedures provided at Mid Florida Cancer Centers. Patients with early stage bladder cancer generally have the tumors in the bladder surgically removed. Our oncologist can help you find the right surgeon for your diagnosis. The tumors are then tested in a lab to determine the grade of the cancer cells, and determine the next course of treatment necessary. Typically, chemotherapy treatment is necessary following surgery to prevent the cancer from coming back. Tumors with a medium or high grade of cancer cells will likely require further chemotherapy treatments. Ultimately, each course of treatment for bladder cancer is unique to the patient, depending on the progress of the cancer and the overall health of the patient.

Bladder Cancer Symptoms

The following are symptoms that may be caused by bladder cancer. However, other conditions (such as a urine infection) may be the cause of the same symptoms. Consult your physician if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Blood in the urine (slightly rusty to bright red in color)
• Frequent urination
• Feeling of a need to urinate without being able to do so
• Pain during urination
• Lower back pain

Bladder Cancer Causes

Risk factors increase your chance of developing cancer. While there are no known specific causes for bladder cancer, the following risk factors could contribute to developing bladder cancer:

• Smoking – cigarette smoking increases the probability of developing bladder cancer by 6 times that of a non-smoker. A study from 2010 suggested that smoking contributed to a third of all bladder cancers.
• Chemicals at work – chemicals called arylamines are a known cause for bladder cancer. Other chemicals known as polycyclic hydrocarbons increase the risk for bladder cancer as well.
• Treatment for other cancers – particularly treatment with radiotherapy to the pelvic area.
• Prostate surgery – Men who have had their prostate gland partially surgically removed have an increased risk for developing bladder cancer.
• Diabetes – Type 2 diabetes increases the risk for developing bladder cancer by 40 percent.
• Repeated bladder infections – some studies have suggested that chronic bladder infection may increase the risk for developing bladder cancer.
• Bladder and kidney stones – increases the risk for developing squamous cell bladder cancer.
• Early menopause – women who have an early menopause are at an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.