Cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the body. These cells can grow together and form masses, called tumors. Bladder cancer is cancer of the bladder—the part of the urinary tract that holds urine until it is released. Bladder cancer can be successfully treated if it is found and addresses early; fortunately, most bladder cancer is diagnosed early on.
After a physical examination, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, risk factors and medical history and may order additional tests to check for the presence of cancer. This could include a complete blood count (CBC) and a chemistry screen (both blood tests). It could include urine tests/cultures. It could also include a cystoscopy. A cystoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at your bladder with a thin, lighted tube. If needed, at this time, the doctor may also biopsy any abnormal areas.
If you are diagnosed with cancer, additional tests may be ordered to determine the stage and grade of the cancer. The stage is determined by the cancer growth in the bladder wall and whether it has spread to other tissues/organs and to what extent. The grade is determined by comparing the cancer cells to the normal cells.
Contact Dr. Lawrence Newman—your Las Vegas urology specialist—to schedule an evaluation today!