Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer usually develops in the cells that line the inside of the bladder — a balloon-shaped organ in the pelvis that stores urine. Bladder cancer usually affects older adults, although it can occur at any age. Most bladder cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, when they are highly treatable.

Expert oncologists at Dignity Health Cancer Institute of Greater Sacramento can evaluate, diagnose, and treat all stages of bladder cancer in Sacramento, CA and the surrounding areas. To learn more about our advanced diagnostic testing and treatments for bladder cancer, Find a Doctor or call (888) 800-7688.

Bladder Cancer Risk Factors

While experts don’t fully understand the causes of bladder cancer, they do know that certain risk factors play a role in the likelihood of developing it.

Doctors at Dignity Health provide education and counseling on bladder cancer risk factors, in addition to regular screenings. Some things that make you more likely to develop this disease are:

• Exposure to chemicals in dyes, paints, plastics and rubber
• Smoking, which makes you two to three times more likely to have bladder cancer than other nonsmokers
• Frequent or chronic urinary tract infections

Bladder Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms of bladder cancer are often seen early in the disease. This allows for a timely diagnosis, in most cases. 

Some common bladder cancer symptoms are: 

• Weak urine stream
• Difficulty urinating
• Pain or burning with urination
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Blood in the urine

Since these can be symptoms of other conditions, it’s important to have your doctor review your symptoms to provide the right diagnosis.
 

Bladder Cancer Treatment at Dignity Health

At Dignity Health, oncologists focus on preventing bladder cancer by reducing risk factors — mainly through counseling and education about lifestyle changes. Stopping smoking is the most important thing you can do to prevent bladder cancer. Ask your doctor about our support groups to aid you in any changes.

Treatments for bladder cancer will depend on the stage of the cancer. If diagnosed early, treatment usually includes surgery followed by chemotherapy inside the bladder.

Options for treating late stages of bladder cancer include: 

• Surgery
• Radiation
• Systemic chemotherapy (throughout the whole body)

Doctors may often combine these treatments to increase the likelihood of optimal outcomes. Rely on our professionals to use the latest methods and technologies in your treatment.

Oncologists at Dignity Health Cancer Institute of Greater Sacramento specialize in the treatment of bladder cancer in Sacramento, CA and the surrounding areas.

Genitourinary Cancer

Genitourinary cancer affects any of the organs and glands of the urinary tract or male reproductive tract. This type of cancer includes: 

• Adrenal cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Penile cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Ureteral cancer
• Urethral cancer

At Dignity Health Cancer Institute of Greater Sacramento, we provide expert, advanced treatment for various types of cancer, including genitourinary cancer in Sacramento and the surrounding areas. Find a Doctor or call (888) 800-7688 to schedule a consultation with an oncologist.

Signs and Symptoms

Genitourinary cancer describes a group of cancers that occur within the genitourinary system, also called the urogenital system. The genitourinary system is made up of the reproductive organs and urinary organs — including the bladder, prostate, kidneys, testes, and penis. The most common symptoms of genitourinary cancer are blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, unexplained weight loss, and persistent pelvic or abdominal pain.  Learn More

Genitourinary Cancer Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of genitourinary cancer depend on the type of cancer and the organ or gland it affects. Some can cause symptoms very early in the disease. For example, bladder cancer can cause urinary symptoms such as blood in the urine or pain with urination. Other cancers, such as prostate cancer, may not have symptoms in the early stages. Penile and testicular cancer can have obvious symptoms early on such as a lump, ulceration, or swelling.

The exact cause of genitourinary cancer is not known, but risk factors vary and may include a family history of the cancer and smoking.

Treating Genitourinary Cancer in Northern California

We are proud to say that our state-of-the-art cancer centers accredited and equipped with the latest technologies for the most advanced care. Your treatment options will depend on the specific genitourinary cancer, but they may include: 

• Chemotherapy drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing
• Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors
• Hormone therapy to reduce the levels of hormones in the body that affect cancer growth
• Targeted therapy to destroy cancer by zooming in on substances present only on cancer cells
• Immunotherapy to boost the body’s immune system fight to the cancer
• Surgery to remove the tumor or affected organ

Your experienced doctor and nurse navigator will discuss the goals, benefits, and side effects of each potential treatment with you, so you feel as prepared as possible. They will help you find the best treatment for your type of cancer, symptoms, and specific health needs.

Through our comprehensive care, we enable you to take charge of your health, offering our expertise and guidance along the way. Rely on our professionals to deliver personalized, quality treatment for genitourinary cancer.

Dignity Health Cancer Institute of Greater Sacramento provides a team of specialists to treat patients with genitourinary cancer in the Sacramento region.