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Cancer Diagnostics
Bladder cancer affects about 80,500 people in the United States each year. If you’re at risk of bladder cancer or suspect you have the disease, turn to the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, with three locations in Houston and another in Katy, Texas. Cancer treatment specialists can diagnose and treat bladder cancer to reduce your risk of life-threatening problems. Call the nearest office to schedule an appointment or book online today.
Bladder cancer is a common cancer that affects cells in the bladder, an organ that stores urine. When diagnosed in its early stages, bladder cancer is highly treatable. At the first sign of bladder cancer, see the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, team for an evaluation.
Signs and symptoms often associated with bladder cancer include:
You might not have any noticeable symptoms, which is why a bladder cancer screening is important if you’re at risk of developing the condition.
While bladder cancer can happen to anybody, some factors increase your risk of developing it. Examples include:
To reduce your risk of developing bladder cancer, don’t smoke, reduce workplace chemical exposure, and eat a healthy diet full of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
To find out if you have bladder cancer, your Houston Cancer Institute, PA specialist reviews your medical history and symptoms. They complete a physical examination and may recommend cystoscopy to view the inside of your bladder.
Your doctor might also suggest a bladder biopsy (tissue sample), urine testing, bone scans, CT scans, X-rays, MRIs, PET scans, or other imaging procedures to diagnose your condition and determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body.
Depending on the severity of your bladder cancer, your specialist may recommend one of the following treatments:
Chemotherapy uses medications to kill bladder cancer cells. Your specialist may use multiple chemotherapy drugs to give you the best outcome. They often administer chemotherapy medications intravenously (through an IV).
Intravesical chemotherapy is much like traditional chemotherapy, but instead of using medications through an IV, the medications are delivered directly to the bladder via the urethra.
Targeted therapy methods are alternative options to traditional chemotherapy that may prove effective when chemotherapy has not.
Radiation therapy uses X-ray or proton energy beams to destroy cancer cells. A special machine moves around your body to deliver the energy to targeted areas.
Immunotherapy is a drug treatment that helps your body’s immune system fight cancer. Your doctor can administer immunotherapy directly into your bladder or through a vein.
Surgical procedures can remove cancerous tissues in your bladder, part of your bladder, or all of your bladder if necessary.
Your doctor may recommend more than one type of bladder cancer treatment to help you make a full recovery.
To determine the best treatment for your cancer, the team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, stages your cancer using state-of-the-art Cat Scan or PET/CT imaging.
The scans show how large the tumor is, how deeply it extends , and whether it's spread to other areas. This will help our team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA identify what stage of cancer you have and tailor your treatment plan to that stage for optimal outcomes and recovery.
To find out if you have bladder cancer or receive exceptional treatment in a comfortable environment, call the nearest Houston Cancer Institute, PA, office or schedule an appointment online today.
