Bladder Cancer Treatment

All of our urologists have expertise in the diagnosis and management of bladder cancer. We offer all types of treatment for this condition including endoscopic surgery, bladder chemotherapy and immunotherapy and major surgery such as cystectomy (removal of the bladder).

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is more formally known as urothelial carcinoma, and it can arise in the kidney, ureter and the bladder. This type of cancer arises from the cells that line the urinary collecting system.

What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms of bladder cancer are varied, but can include blood in the urine, urgency and frequency of urination, pelvic pain and back pain.

What Causes Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer can be seemingly without cause, but smoking and exposure to some chemicals have been implicated.

How is it Diagnosed?

When a patient has the symptoms of bladder cancer, the urologist will usually get x-rays of the kidneys and bladder, and will recommend looking inside the bladder. This is generally done in the office under a local anesthetic. If bladder cancer is diagnosed, the tumor is biopsied and removed through a scope. The pathologist will then identify the type and stage of disease.

What are Bladder Cancer Treatment Options in Bend, OR?

If the tumor is small and localized, often the only treatment needed is continued careful surveillance to make sure that bladder cancer does not recur. If the tumor is more invasive, there are a variety of treatments that can be administered. Often times, the treatment of bladder cancer is multidisciplinary. This means that there may be other specialists involved in your care. For example, a radiation oncologist or medical oncologist. Bladder cancer is complex, and every patient is different. Your urologist would help guide you through this process.

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Urology Specialists of Oregon at (541) 322-5753.


Robotic and laparoscopic high extended pelvic lymph node dissection during radical cystectomy: technique and outcomes

MM Desai, AK Berger, RR Brandina, P Zehnder, M Simmons, M Aron, European urology 61 (2), 350-355

Continent cutaneous urinary diversion: right colonic reservoirs

MN Simmons, SC Campbell