At OC CyberKnife, our mission is to help the Orange County & greater Southern California community beat cancer through world-class treatment. Our state-of-the-art cancer center uses some of the most advanced cancer treatment technology in the world, offering an unparalleled level of convenience and comprehensive treatment. We treat a variety of cancerous conditions at our center, including the various forms of bladder cancer – so if you or a loved one have recently been diagnosed, we would be happy to help.
We believe patient education is vital to successful treatment, which is why we’ve compiled some of the most common questions about bladder cancer alongside their answers. Read the FAQs below to learn more about bladder cancer and the options for treatment.
If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed with any stage or form of bladder cancer, we can help. As a premier radiation oncology and cancer center serving the Orange County area, we’ve worked with countless bladder cancer patients, helping them beat their condition and return to a healthy, normal life. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and start on the road towards recovery. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.
Bladder cancer refers to any tumor or cancerous condition beginning in the bladder, usually in the cells on the bladder’s inner lining. However, bladder cancer can also develop in the urethra, the renal pelvis, or the ureters. As the sixth most common form of cancer in the US, bladder cancer is highly prevalent in both men and women.
Unfortunately, the symptoms of bladder cancer are easy to mistake for a urinary tract infection, which can make early detection more difficult. The most common symptoms include blood in the urine, pain or irritation while urinating, or increased frequency and urgency of urination. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see a urologist or your general doctor.
As with most forms of cancer, scientists aren’t sure of the exact causes of bladder cancer, but they do understand factors that increase the risk of developing the cancer. The greatest risk factor is smoking, which increases the likelihood of developing bladder cancer by 100%. Other risk factors include environmental exposure to carcinogens, which means that metal workers, painters, textile workers, firefighters, machinists, hairdressers, and workers in the rubber, leather, and chemical industries are all at an increased risk.
If you display any signs of bladder cancer, your doctor may order imaging tests like ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRI scans. These scans look for irregularities or masses in the bladder wall, which may be cancerous tumors. A urologist may also do a cystoscopy, which involves using a long, thin camera to visually examine the bladder wall and take samples of any suspicious areas. Other tests may look for cancer cells in urine or other urine-based markers to detect the cancer.
For patients suffering from muscle-invasive bladder cancer, which is a serious condition, your doctor may recommend the removal of the entire bladder. That said, in some cases it’s possible to use radiation therapy treatments like CyberKnife, in combination with chemotherapy, to kill the cancer without removing the bladder. You and your doctor should discuss whether or not this treatment is appropriate in your case.
Bladder cancer support groups exist all over the US, and many of our patients gain strength from the support groups here in Orange County. Visit www.bcan.org to find a full list of support groups, as well as an online community of support. You can also find support groups through the Cancer Support Community, general cancer support groups, or through our cancer center.
If you think you may be suffering from bladder cancer, the best thing to do is seek medical help immediately. Talk to your general physician or see a urologist to discuss your concerns with them and see what tests they recommend. And if you are diagnosed with bladder cancer, remember: there’s always hope. With quality treatment and continued support, you can beat cancer and reclaim your life.