Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer develops in the lining of the bladder, the organ that stores urine. Most bladder cancers are found early, while they are still confined to the inner lining, and can be treated effectively with minimally invasive surgery and close follow-up.

Risk Factors

Smoking is the most important risk factor for bladder cancer, and the risk falls after stopping. Other risk factors include:

  • Increasing age (most people diagnosed are over 60)

  • Male sex

  • Past exposure to certain industrial chemicals, such as those used in dye, rubber and paint manufacturing

  • Previous pelvic radiotherapy or some chemotherapy drugs

  • Long-term bladder inflammation or catheter use

Symptoms

The most common sign is blood in the urine (haematuria), which is often painless and may come and go. Others include:

  • Needing to pass urine more often or urgently

  • Burning or discomfort when passing urine without an infection

  • Recurrent urinary tract infections

Blood in the urine should always be investigated, even if it only happens once.

Diagnosis

Assessment usually involves:

  • Flexible cystoscopy – a quick look inside the bladder with a thin camera under local anaesthetic

  • CT urogram – a scan of the kidneys, ureters and bladder

  • Urine tests – including testing for infection and, in some cases, abnormal cells (cytology)

Types of Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancers are broadly divided into two groups:

  • Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer – confined to the lining of the bladder. This is the most common type and is usually treated through the urethra, without any cuts.

  • Muscle invasive bladder cancer – has grown into the muscle wall of the bladder and requires more extensive treatment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type, grade and stage of the cancer, and on your general health. Options include:

  • Transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) – removal of the tumour with a telescope passed through the urethra. This is both diagnostic and, for many people, the main treatment.

  • Intravesical therapy – medication placed directly into the bladder, such as chemotherapy or BCG immunotherapy, to reduce the chance of the cancer coming back.

  • Radical cystectomy – removal of the bladder with creation of a new way to pass urine, which may be performed robotically in suitable patients.

  • Bladder-preserving treatment – a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for selected patients.

Bladder cancer can recur, so regular follow-up cystoscopies are an important part of care. Treatment of muscle invasive disease is planned with a multidisciplinary team including medical and radiation oncologists.

Dr Samuel Davies, Consultant Urologist and Robotic Surgeon, assesses and treats bladder cancer, including cystoscopy, TURBT and ongoing surveillance. To arrange an appointment, please contact our rooms on 07 3255 0311. A referral from your GP or specialist is needed to claim a Medicare rebate.

This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for an individual consultation. All surgical and medical procedures carry risks. Before proceeding, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified health practitioner and, if you wish, a second opinion.

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