Urinary Bladder
cancer
Urinary Bladder cancer care at Thangam cancer center
Urinary Bladder Cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the lining of the bladder and grow uncontrollably. Over time, this cancer can invade deeper layers of the bladder wall and spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs. Early diagnosis and expert care are key to successful treatment.
At Thangam Hospital, we offer advanced, patient-centric care for all types and stages of bladder cancer, with options including robotic surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and more.
Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer
Smoking
A leading cause, significantly increasing the risk
Chemical exposure
Dyes, rubber, leather, textile, and paint industries
Chronic bladder irritation
Long-term infections, catheters, or bladder stones
Symptoms of Urinary Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer may present with the following signs and symptoms:
Blood in the urine (hematuria), with or without clots
Painful or burning sensation during urination
Increased frequency or urgency of urination
Lower abdominal or back pain
Symptoms that persist for more than 2-3 weeks
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a cancer specialist promptly for evaluation.
Types of Urinary Bladder Cancer
- Urothelial Carcinoma (Transitional Cell Carcinoma)
This is the most common type, originating in the urothelial cells lining the inside of the bladder. It can also affect the kidneys, ureters, and urethra.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Linked to chronic irritation or infections such as recurrent UTIs or long-term catheter use. Rare but more aggressive.
Diagnosis and Tests for Bladder Cancer
At Thangam Hospital, we use a combination of diagnostic tools to detect and stage bladder cancer accurately:
- Physical examination and history review
- Ultrasound scan Initial imaging to detect bladder masses
- CT Scan / MRI To determine tumor extent and staging
- PET-CT Scan For advanced or recurrent disease
- Cystoscopy A direct visual examination of the bladder with a camera
- Biopsy / TURBT Removal of tumor tissue during cystoscopy for pathological evaluation
- Urine Cytology To detect cancer cells in urine
Treatment Options for Bladder Cancer
Treatment depends on the type, stage, and spread of the cancer. Our multidisciplinary team ensures personalized care through the following:
TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor)
Used for early-stage cancers confined to the bladder lining. Performed via a cystoscope through the urethra.
Cystectomy (Partial or Radical)
- Partial Cystectomy : Removal of a portion of the bladder.
- Radical Cystectomy : Complete removal of the bladder, often combined with nearby lymph nodes and organs (prostate in men; uterus and part of vagina in women).
- Robotic or Laparoscopic Approaches available for faster recovery and precision.
Urinary Diversion After Radical Cystectomy:
- Neobladder Reconstruction – A new bladder is created using a segment of the intestine.
- Ileal Conduit – A urostomy bag collects urine diverted via an intestinal segment.
- Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy – Given before surgery to shrink the tumor
- Adjuvant Chemotherapy – Given after surgery to kill residual cancer cells
- Intravesical Chemotherapy – Directly instilled into the bladder (e.g., Mitomycin C) to reduce recurrence after TURBT
BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) is an immunotherapy drug administered into the bladder to trigger the immune system to attack cancer cells. Commonly used after TURBT for early-stage bladder cancers.
Used post-surgery (adjuvant), before surgery (neoadjuvant), or in combination with chemotherapy (chemo-radiation) in cases where bladder preservation is possible.
For certain advanced cancers, targeted drugs such as Erdafitinib (targeting FGFR2/3 mutations) may be used to block specific cancer growth pathways.
Advanced or metastatic bladder cancer may be treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors that help the body’s immune system attack cancer cells.
