Bladder Cancer

Advanced technology provides the best outcomes with minimal side effects.

The Best Treatment
For Bladder Cancer

FIGHT CANCER WITH THE BEST TEAM, AMAZING TECHNOLOGY, AND GREAT OUTCOMES.

We utilize Advanced technology with 3D geospatial mapping to precisely kill prostate cancer. This targeted millimeter accuracy improves outcomes and minimizes side effects such as sexual and urinary dysfunction. Our goal is to give you cancer free survival with the best quality of life.

Our treatments have incredible precision and pinpoint accuracy that results in minimal sexual and urinary side effects. Most treatments are done as an outpatient in our state of the art surgery centers with the best outcomes. If you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer or think you may have bladder cancer, you owe it to yourself to see the most caring and skilled urologic oncologists at Advanced Urology.

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Goals Of Bladder Cancer Treatment

Cancer Free Survival

The most important goal of bladder cancer treatment is living a a great life, cancer free.

Prevent Cancer Progression

The second goal is to prevent cancer progression by utilizing medicines in the bladder or intravenously that can prevent cancer progression or recurrence.

Better Urinary Function

The third goal is to ensure you have excellent urinary function to protect the kidneys and bladder. Simultaneously, we want to ensure your sexual health is optimized.

Great Outcome

Overall, we want you to have the best possible outcome with the least side effects.

Lower risk of sexual dysfunction

Safe and effective

Long term solution

Outpatient

Minimal to no pain

Lower risk of urinary dysfunction

Common Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

If any of these symptoms occur, especially the presence of blood in the urine, talk to a bladder cancer doctor immediately. Early detection of bladder cancer can improve treatment outcomes and prognosis.

Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)
Frequent Urination
Pain or Burning Sensation During Urination
Urgency to Urinate

Lower Back or Pelvic Pain
Difficulty Urinating
Fatigue or Weakness
Unexplained Weight Loss

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Intravesical Therapy - Several medicines including BCG, mitomycin, and Valstar can be given inside the bladder to help prevent cancer from recurring or progressing. This is done in the office with a catheter in the bladder. Because the medicine is instilled directly in the bladder, common side effects include mild burning with urination and frequency of urination. Importantly, these medicines do not cause nausea, vomiting, and hair loss associated with typical cancer chemotherapy regimens. Patients can be given oral sedation if necessary which makes the procedure much more comfortable.
Keytruda Intravenous Therapy - KEYTRUDA may be used when your cancer has not spread to nearby tissue in the bladder, but is at high-risk for spreading (high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer [NMIBC]) and when your tumor is a type called "carcinoma in situ" (CIS), and you have tried treatment with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and it did not work, and you are not able to or have decided not to have surgery to remove your bladder.
Radical Cystectomy - In cases of aggressive cancer, surgery for curative intent is encouraged. At Advanced Urology we have the most experienced private surgical oncologists in Georgia who specialize in this surgery with enhanced recovery and great outcomes.

Advanced Robotic Surgery - Robotic surgery is a great option for entire bladder, prostate gland, and lymph node removal for high volume or more aggressive cancers. This often has the highest cure rate for cancer compared to radiation treatment. Robotic surgery is done through 6 small incisions as an outpatient. Benefits of surgery include lymph node removal, more accurate staging, higher cure rates, and the option to add radiation after surgery if needed.
Advanced Bladder Cancer Medicines - We have the latest medicines for bladder cancer including Keytruda or Pembrolizumab. Our world class urological oncologists lead or Advanced Bladder Cancer Clinic and Clinical Trials. Medicines are conveniently dispensed from our pharmacy.

Radiation seems to be an easy choice initially, but it has tremendous side effects in future years including bladder cancer, rectal cancer, radiation burns to the bladder and rectum, and urethral stricture disease. Proton therapy is another form of radiation and there is little to no long term data supporting its supposed superiority over traditional radiation. We have targeted and precise therapies for localized bladder cancer with great results and minimal risk of sexual and urinary dysfunction. These options are tried, true, and proven.

The Different Types of Bladder Cancers

Transitional Cell Carcinoma

Urothelial carcinoma, also known as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), is the most common type of bladder cancer, accounting for about 90% of cases. It originates in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder and urinary tract. These cells have a unique ability to stretch and contract as the bladder fills and empties. Urothelial carcinoma can be classified as non-invasive, where it remains within the bladder lining, or invasive, where it spreads deeper into the bladder wall and potentially to other parts of the body.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder is a less common type, making up about 1-2% of bladder cancer cases in the United States. It typically develops in response to chronic irritation and inflammation, such as long-term catheter use, repeated urinary tract infections, or exposure to schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection common in some regions of the world. Unlike urothelial carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma is usually more aggressive and tends to be diagnosed at a more advanced stage.

Adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma of the bladder is a rare form of bladder cancer, accounting for about 1% of cases. This cancer originates in the glandular cells that produce mucus in the bladder lining. It is often associated with chronic bladder inflammation or congenital conditions such as bladder exstrophy, a birth defect where the bladder develops outside the body. Adenocarcinomas tend to be aggressive and can spread more quickly than some other types of bladder cancer, often requiring a combination of surgery and other treatments.

Small Cell Carcinoma

Small cell carcinoma of the bladder is a very rare and aggressive form of cancer that originates from neuroendocrine cells, which are responsible for hormone production and nerve signaling. This type of bladder cancer tends to grow and spread rapidly to other organs. Because of its aggressive nature, treatment often involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Small cell carcinoma is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its rapid progression and nonspecific symptoms.

Sarcoma

Sarcoma of the bladder is an extremely rare type of cancer that develops in the bladder's muscle or connective tissue. The most common subtype is leiomyosarcoma, which arises from the smooth muscle cells of the bladder wall. Sarcomas typically present with symptoms such as blood in the urine and bladder pain. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor, and in some cases, additional therapies such as radiation or chemotherapy may be required. Due to its rarity, bladder sarcoma is often diagnosed late and requires specialized care.

3 Step Journey To Success

Initial Visit

Our goal is to provide you personalized and innovative health care. We are professional, discreet, and empathetic. You will meet our urologic oncologists in our clean and modern offices. We want to establish a relationship and understand your treatment goals.

Comprehensive Review

Your records are thoroughly reviewed to ensure that all data supports the need for treatment. Communication is made with your referring physician and family members.

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Surgery

You are sedated through an IV in our surgery center. Our proprietary algorithm is performed to clean your bladder and improve your symptoms. The procedure typically takes 30 minutes and you are sent home the same day.

6 Reasons To Come To Advanced

Care Navigators

We care about your experience and want to ensure a pleasant and pain free experience. Our care navigators will follow up with you to ensure the best experience and outcome.

More Experience

We have more experience with nerve stimulation, botox, and sling placement which results in better outcomes. Our personable doctors will tailor an individual treatment plan based on your unique needs.

Advanced Techniques

Advanced Urology offers the latest with Advanced Nervestim and Advanced Botox. This precision allows for targeted millimeter accuracy, minimizing side effects.

Best In Class Outcomes

We are the only Center of Excellence in the World. We continuously track quality measures and ensure the absolute best outcome. Results matter.

Patient Education

We focus on educating you on your condition to ensure you are informed and engaged in your care.

Expert Doctors

Our bladder specialists are board certified with Advanced training in bladder disease. This super-specialization leads to more experience, greater expertise, and a better outcome.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bladder Cancer

Q Can bladder cancer recur after treatment?

Yes, bladder cancer has a relatively high chance of recurrence, even after successful treatment. Regular follow-up appointments and routine tests, such as cystoscopies and urine tests, are essential to monitor for any signs of the cancer returning. Lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy diet, may help reduce the risk of recurrence.

Q How is bladder cancer diagnosed?

Bladder cancer is diagnosed through a combination of tests, including a urinalysis to check for blood or abnormal cells, a cystoscopy to examine the inside of the bladder using a thin camera, and imaging tests such as CT scans or ultrasounds to identify tumors. A biopsy may also be performed to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

Q What are the risk factors for developing bladder cancer?

Several factors can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer, including smoking, exposure to industrial chemicals (such as those used in dye manufacturing), chronic bladder infections, a history of radiation therapy to the pelvic area, and certain genetic factors. Men and individuals over the age of 55 are also at a higher risk.

Q Are there different types of bladder cancer?

Yes, bladder cancer can be classified into different types based on the cells where the cancer begins. The most common type is urothelial carcinoma (also known as transitional cell carcinoma), which starts in the cells lining the bladder. Other less common types include squamous cell carcinoma, which can develop due to chronic irritation or infections, and adenocarcinoma, which originates in the glandular cells of the bladder. The type of bladder cancer can influence treatment options and prognosis.

Bladder Cancer

The Best Treatment
For Bladder Cancer