Bladder Cancer

What Is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the bladder. Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers. Most people with bladder cancer have superficial and noninvasive tumors, which don’t spread to the muscle tissue. Treatment is often very effective.

Bladder Cancer Risk Factors

You may have an increased risk of bladder cancer if you:

• Smoke
• Are male
• Are over the age of 55
• Have an unhealthy, unbalanced diet

Talk to your doctor about how you can reduce your risk of bladder cancer. Explore our comprehensive cancer prevention, advanced screening and diagnostic services.

Detecting Bladder Cancer

Your UC San Diego Health team uses the most advanced technologies available to detect bladder cancer early and accurately. We’re currently the only health system in the San Diego region using both white light and blue light cystoscopies to carefully examine the lining of your bladder. Blue light cystoscopy can identify lesions that may not be visible to the naked eye and could otherwise be missed. The enhanced imaging technique can help your doctor surgically remove all cancerous tissue and monitor your response to treatment.

More about blue light cystoscopy

Robotically Assisted Surgery

At UC San Diego Health, cystectomies and reconstructive surgeries are performed with robotic assistance. Robotic-assist systems allow your surgeon to magnify the surgical field, making it much easier to work around the tiny nerves that affect sexual function.

Follow-Up Care

Bladder cancer recurs in about half of all patients. For this reason, your doctor will recommend comprehensive follow-up care, including regular cystoscopic evaluations for up to two years.