Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer occurs when cells in the bladder grow uncontrollably.

Although the exact cause of bladder cancer is unknown, there are several factors that may increase your risk of developing it, including:

• Smoking
• Exposure to certain chemicals, including those sometimes used in the dye, rubber, textile and paint industry
• Drinking water with high levels of arsenic
• Age and gender – the incidence is higher in men over the age of 55
• Having a history of bladder infections
• Having a bladder catheter in place for an extended period of time
• Having a syndrome linked to bladder cancer, including Lynch syndrome and Cowden disease
• A family history of bladder cancer

Having one or more bladder cancer risk factors does not mean you will definitely develop this cancer. Additionally, having no risk factors does not mean you won't develop it.

Symptoms of bladder cancer include:

• Blood in urine
• Bladder habit changes
• Painful urination
• Frequent urination
• Urge to urinate
  
  

Keep in mind that these symptoms can also indicate conditions other than bladder cancer. Contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms so the cause can be diagnosed and treated promptly.

If your doctor suspects bladder cancer, one or more of the following tests may be recommended:

• Blood and urine tests – including looking for cancer cells present in the urine via a microscope or using tumor marker tests to look for substances that bladder cancer cells often produce
• Cystoscopy – uses a thin tube with a camera on the end (cystoscope) inserted into the urethra in order to visualize the bladder. A tissue biopsy or even tumor resection can also be performed at this time.
• Blue-light cystoscopy – also called fluorescence cystoscopy, uses a special dye and a blue light to aid in biopsy and removal of bladder tumors that can’t be seen with the white light normally used in a cystoscopy
• Imaging tests – including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans

Experts at Houston Methodist use blue-light cystoscopy to diagnose bladder cancer whenever possible since it provides better bladder cancer staging and treatment, which could help decrease the recurrence rate of the cancer.

Our cancer experts work as a team to offer the most advanced bladder cancer treatment options, including immunotherapy and robotic-assisted surgical procedures — partnering with reconstructive surgeons when bladder cancer or its treatment affects form and function.

Learn more about how our experts treat bladder cancer >