Bladder Cancer

Program Overview. At The Lacks Cancer Center our cancer treatment programs increase hope everyday, thanks to a multidisciplinary model of care, which incorporates a staff of progressive physicians, innovative technologies and aggressive treatments. In addition to this model, we continually review and apply the latest anti-cancer drugs, the newest staging and imaging techniques, and the most effective surgical procedures to ensure the best outcomes in the treatment of bladder cancer.

Bladder Cancer Overview. Bladder cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the bladder, a hollow balloon-shaped organ found in the lower abdomen whose main function is to remove urine (waste) from the body. The bladder receives urine from the kidneys through two tubes called ureters and passes it out of the body through another tube called the urethra. Cancer confined to the lining of the bladder is referred to as superficial (on the surface), while cancer that invades through the bladder lining into its muscle wall is invasive, and cancer that spreads to lymph nodes or other organs is metastatic (widespread). There are three common types of bladder cancer that can be considered either superficial, invasive or metastatic:

• Transitional Cell Carcinoma - The most common type of bladder cancer, this cancer forms in the transitional cells, which make up the innermost tissue layer of the urinary tract. Most urinary tract cancers originate in these cells and although most occur in the bladder, these cancers can also involve any part of the tract, including the inner lining of the kidneys, ureters and urethra.

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Squamous cell carcinoma originates in thin, flat cells that can develop in the bladder after a long-term infection or irritation.

• Adenocarcinoma - Adenocarcinoma is a rare form of cancer that begins in the glandular cells of the urinary tract.

Signs and Symptoms. Advanced cancers can cause pelvic or lower back pain, and smaller tumors have been known to cause a constant urge to urinate. However, the most telltale sign of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. Sometimes the blood is visible; usually it must be detected under a microscope. Should a primary care physician identify blood in your urine or should you experience consistent pressure in your bladder, it is important to schedule an evaluation from a skilled urologist such as those found in our multidisciplinary Urologic Clinic.

Become part of our Multidisciplinary Urologic Clinic through a referral from your primary care physician or with a self-referral by calling 1-877-LACKS-MI or 616-752-LACK(S).