Bladder Cancer Specialist
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The Urology Group
Urologist located in Hardeeville, SC
Bladder cancer affects as many as 85,000 men and women in the United States each year. It is the 4th most common cancer in men and the 6th most common cancer overall. At The Urology Group, board-certified urologist, Manuel Perez, MD, understands how a cancer diagnosis can impact your life. At his offices in Hilton Head Island and Hardeeville, South Carolina, Dr. Perez offers comprehensive cancer testing on-site. He customizes care plans for bladder cancer and is skilled in minimally invasive surgical techniques. Learn more about your options for treating bladder cancer by calling The Urology Group today or by requesting a consultation online now.
Bladder Cancer Q & A
What is bladder cancer?
Your bladder is a balloon-shaped organ that sits in your lower abdomen. Urine passes from your kidneys to your bladder through the ureters and is stored there until it leaves your body when you urinate.
Cancerous cells most often develop in the cells that line the inside of your bladder. As you get older, your risk for developing bladder cancer increases significantly. Nine out of 10 bladder cancer patients are over 55.
Other factors that contribute to the risk of bladder cancer include:
- Smoke
- Work around chemicals
- Are exposed to radiation
- Have chronic irritation of the bladder lining
Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer than women.
What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?
The most common warning signs that can indicate bladder cancer include:
- Pelvic pain
- Blood in urine
- Urination discomfort or pain
You may also experience an increase in how often you need to urinate.
Because these symptoms can develop with many other health conditions, it’s important that you schedule a diagnostic evaluation at The Urology Group as soon as possible.
How is bladder cancer diagnosed?
After a thorough review of your medical history and lifestyle, Dr. Perez physically examines your body for signs of inflammation or other abnormalities.
To get a closer look at the structure of your bladder, Dr. Perez can perform a cystoscopy. This procedure involves the insertion of a small tube in through your urethra. The tube contains a small camera that sends real-time images of your internal structures to an external monitor.
Dr. Perez watches the monitor and moves the tube around the bladder to identify cancerous cells. During the cystoscopy, he can perform a biopsy by taking a sample of suspicious cells for further testing.
If your biopsy results show cancer, Dr. Perez may order imaging tests, like a CT scan or MRI, to determine the stage of your cancer and find out if it’s spreading to other areas of your body.
How is bladder cancer treated?
Treating bladder cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and if it has spread to other parts of your body. Dr. Perez may suggest treatment with medications or surgery.
In many cases, Dr. Perez recommends surgical removal of the tumors on your bladder or the entire organ. He takes a minimally invasive approach to surgery, using an endoscopy technique to resection the bladder. If the whole organ must be removed, Dr. Perez uses other surgical procedures to create a urinary diversion, which collects and drains urine.
Dr. Perez discusses all of your options for treating bladder cancer to ensure you can make the most informed decision about your health.
To schedule diagnostic testing for symptoms of bladder cancer, call The Urology Group today, or request a consultation online now.
