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Bladder Cancer
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Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers. At Middlesex we pride ourselves on approaching each case with a technologically advanced, individualized treatment plan, designed to meet your unique physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Our online Learning Center has up-to-date, evidence-based information about numerous topics related to bladder cancer, including diagnostic tests, treatment options, management of treatment side effects, and more.
Symptoms of bladder cancer may include:
If you have hematuria, your urine may appear bright red or cola colored. Sometimes, urine may not look unusual, but blood may be detected during a microscopic exam of the urine.
Risk factors for bladder cancer include:
There are a number of tests available to diagnose bladder cancer, and our expert physicians will work to determine which test, or combination of tests, is the best fit for you.
The evidence-based treatment plan your doctor chooses is based on a number of factors: type of cancer, grade and stage of the cancer, your overall health, and your treatment preferences.
Surgery is used to remove cancerous tissue from the body, and may involve a portion or all of the bladder. Reconstructive surgery is used to create a new way for urine to exit the body after bladder removal.
The surgeons at the Middlesex Urology Group provide the highest quality care using the latest surgical technologies. They work closely with the Cancer Center team to plan and deliver your treatments.
For bladder cancer, medical oncology involves the use of chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
The board-certified medical oncologists, nurses, and technicians at Connecticut Oncology Group provide the most effective, advanced care with warm, personal attention and support for patients and their families. Your medical oncology team will work closely with your other providers and help provide access to clinical trials.
Radiation oncology is the highly-controlled use of radiation to cure or treat symptoms of bladder cancer.
Learn more about radiation therapy options at Middlesex
Surveillance: Bladder cancer may recur, and therefore, you will need follow-up testing for years after successful treatment. As with your original cancer treatment, your doctors will determine which tests you need and how often. This plan could include:
Follow-Up Cystoscopy: Many patients this text, to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra, every three to six months in the first few years after treatment. This frequency may decrease if you remain cancer free!
Supportive Care: Living with the concern of recurrence can be difficult - you may feel that you have little control over your future. Keeping to a follow-up schedule with your care providers, taking care of your body through diet and exercise, and connecting with other survivors can help.
2 Specialty Care Locations
We are here to support you in the transition to life after cancer, as you finish the active phase of cancer treatment.