Bladder Cancer Specialist
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San Jose Urology Partners
Urologists & Minimally Invasive Urological Oncology located in North Valley, San Jose, CA
A diagnosis of bladder cancer can be daunting, but James Hwong, MD, and San Jose Urology Partners in the North Valley area of San Jose, California are here to help you find the best course of treatment. Our experienced, dedicated team provides comprehensive, compassionate care to assist those with bladder cancer. If you’re experiencing symptoms, such as blood in the urine, and you’re concerned about your bladder health, call or book online today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hwong.
Bladder Cancer Q & A
What is bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Your bladder is a hollow, muscular organ in your lower abdomen that holds urine. Bladder cancer begins in the urothelial cells that line the inside of your bladder. Despite the name, bladder cancer can also happen in other parts of your urinary system.
What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?
The symptoms of bladder cancer include:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Painful urination
- Pelvic pain
- Back pain
- Frequent urination
If you have blood in your urine and are experiencing symptoms, it’s important you visit the experienced team at San Jose Urology Partners for evaluation and testing.
What causes bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer occurs when cells in your bladder grow abnormally and develop mutations. The cancer cells grow out of control and don’t die as normal cells do.
The cause of bladder cancer isn’t definitive, but various factors might play a role, such as:
- Smoking
- Exposure to chemicals
- Personal family history
- Past radiation exposure
- Chronic irritation of the bladder lining
- Parasitic infections, particularly in those who come from or have traveled to certain areas outside the United States
The type of bladder cancer you have is determined by the location where the cancer started. Different types of bladder cancer include urothelial carcinoma (most common), squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma.
What are the treatments for bladder cancer?
Once our team at San Jose Urology Partners has diagnosed your bladder cancer with testing methods such as a cystoscopy, biopsy, urine cytology, and imaging tests, we develop a customized treatment plan.
The right treatment for your cancer depends on various factors, including the grade, stage, and type of your cancer, as well as your treatment preferences and your overall health. Our team might recommend:
- Chemotherapy in the bladder or systemic chemotherapy
- Surgery to remove cancerous tissue
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy (biological therapy)
- Cystectomy (surgery to remove all or part of the bladder)
- Reconstruction to create a new way for urine to leave your body following bladder removal
A radical cystectomy is a procedure to remove the entire bladder, surrounding lymph nodes, and part of the ureters. In some cases, a radical cystectomy might involve the removal of certain areas of the reproductive system, such as the prostate and seminal vesicles in men.
Our team may perform bladder cancer surgery using the innovative da Vinci® robotic-assisted surgical system, in which the physician sits at a nearby console and uses hand controls to precisely and gently move robotic surgical instruments. The da Vinci system allows for smaller incisions, heightened precision and control, and a faster recovery.
If you have concerns about your bladder health, call San Jose Urology Partners to schedule an appointment or click to book online.
