For those facing a bladder cancer diagnosis in Michigan, The Cancer & Hematology Centers offer hope and cutting-edge care. Specializing in bladder cancer treatment, our centers provide the latest treatments in medical oncology, including innovative therapies and clinical trials.
Our team of expert oncologists is dedicated to delivering personalized, comprehensive bladder cancer treatment near you in Michigan.
Types of Bladder Cancer
Common symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in urine, frequent urination, and pelvic pain. Detection usually involves urine tests, cystoscopy, and imaging studies. The main types of bladder cancer are:
- Urothelial carcinoma (transitional cell carcinoma): This is the most common type. It starts in the urothelial cells that line the outside of the bladder.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Squamous cell carcinoma in the bladder starts in the thin layer of cells lining the bladder’s interior. This type is usually associated with chronic irritation.
- Adenocarcinoma: This type of bladder cancer develops in the glandulous cells and is quite rare.
- Small cell carcinoma: Small cell carcinoma is extremely rare in the bladder, but also aggressive.
Bladder Cancer Treatment Options
The treatment of bladder cancer is a complex process that depends on various factors. Some factors include the type and stage of cancer, your overall health, and your personal preferences.
At The Cancer & Hematology Centers, we offer a range of bladder cancer treatment options tailored to each person’s unique situation. Our team of specialists develops personalized care plans that may incorporate one or more types of treatment.
These approaches range from minimally invasive procedures to advanced systemic therapies that effectively combat your cancer while maintaining your quality of life.
Surgery for Bladder Cancer
Surgical treatment options include minimally invasive procedures and more extensive operations. The type of surgery your team recommends depends on the stage and location of your cancer, as well as your overall health.
Common surgical procedures for bladder cancer include:
- Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT): This is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat early-stage bladder cancer. During the procedure, a surgeon inserts a thin, lighted tube through the urethra into the bladder to remove the tumor and some surrounding tissue.
- Partial cystectomy: This involves removing a portion of the bladder with the tumor. This procedure is an option for people with a single tumor that hasn’t spread to other parts of the bladder.
- Radical cystectomy with urinary diversion: This major surgery involves removing the entire bladder, nearby lymph nodes, and sometimes adjacent organs. After removal, the surgeon creates a new way for you to pass urine, called urinary diversion.
Systemic Treatments for Bladder Cancer
For people with more advanced bladder cancer or those at high risk of recurrence, systemic treatments that target cancer cells throughout the body are often necessary.
At The Cancer & Hematology Centers, we offer cutting-edge systemic therapies that go beyond localized treatments to address cancer that may have spread or to prevent its return.
The following are the primary systemic treatments we offer for bladder cancer:
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. For bladder cancer treatment, your oncologist may inject chemotherapy drugs before surgery to shrink tumors, after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells, or as your primary treatment.
Immunotherapy
Immune checkpoint inhibitors help train the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. This process is called immunotherapy. This approach has shown promising results in advanced bladder cancer cases, especially for people who cannot have chemotherapy.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on attacking cells with proteins that contribute to cancer growth. For bladder cancer, some drugs target specific genetic mutations, while others attack proteins on the surface of the cancer cell. These therapies are typically for specific types of bladder cancer, based on the results of your biopsy or other tests.
Radiation Treatment for Bladder Cancer
Radiation therapy can be used in various stages of bladder cancer treatment—as a primary treatment or in combination with other types of bladder cancer treatment
Generally, there are two main types of radiation therapy for bladder cancer:
- External beam radiation: This uses high-energy X-rays or particles to destroy cancer cells from outside the body. In many cases, you can expect to have several short sessions over several weeks that the bladder and sometimes nearby lymph nodes.
- Brachytherapy: In bladder cancer treatment, this targeted approach allows for a high dose of radiation to be delivered to the tumor directly using a concentrated source of radioactive material embedded next to it.
Our Bladder Cancer Treatment Center in Michigan
At The Cancer & Hematology Centers, we recognize that each case of bladder cancer presents its unique challenges. Our expert oncologists develop personalized treatment plans to address your specific needs.
We provide a comprehensive range of bladder cancer treatment options, including cutting-edge clinical trials. Our goal is to offer the most effective path to recovery, along with compassionate care to support you throughout your journey.
Learn More About Bladder Cancer Treatments
Our team is committed to supporting you and your family through every phase of treatment and recovery. To take the first step toward comprehensive care, reach out to our team at 800-411-7999.
Our specialists are ready to guide you through the available therapies and create a tailored treatment plan that best suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Is Bladder Cancer Detected?
Most doctors test for bladder cancer through a combination of methods:
- Urine tests
- Cystoscopy
- Imaging tests
- Biopsies
What Causes Bladder Cancer?
The exact causes of bladder cancer are not always clear, but several factors can increase the risk:
- Smoking
- Chemical exposure
- Chronic bladder inflammation.
- Age and gender
- Genetic factors
- Previous cancer treatments
- Exposure to arsenic in drinking water
While these factors can increase risk, many people with bladder cancer have no apparent risk factors, and many people with risk factors never develop the disease.