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.

In the News: Blue Light Cystoscopy Illuminates Bladder Cancer Detection

Multidisciplinary Urologic Cancer Clinic

Patients with high-risk or metastatic bladder cancer may be referred to our multidisciplinary Urologic Cancer Clinic, which brings some of the best oncologists and urologists in San Diego County to one location, so you can conveniently and quickly access the specialized care you need.

This unique clinic focuses on improving the prognosis and quality of life for people with high-risk, aggressive or metastatic urologic cancers such as bladder cancer.

At our clinic, you may:

• Discuss treatment options with three cancer specialists — a medical oncologist, urologic surgeon and radiation oncologist — during a single visit
• Receive a balanced view of treatment options with quality-of-life considerations incorporated into your care plan
• Receive tests and treatments that meet the highest standards of cancer care, including genetic and molecular evaluations to further personalize care
• Have faster and more convenient access to cancer care through all stages of treatment
• Access the most promising, new bladder cancer treatment through participation in a clinical trial
• Ask your dedicated patient navigator to help you schedule your appointments, scans and consults

Robotic-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.