Bladder Cancer

Miami Cancer Institute’s bladder cancer specialists combine medical expertise and compassionate care to provide the best treatment options for our patients. Our oncologists have access to a range of innovative technologies to diagnose and treat your specific type of bladder cancer, allowing them to create a personalized care plan that helps address your individual needs. 

Our multidisciplinary team consists of internationally renowned medical oncologists, surgical oncologists and radiation oncologists who provide advanced diagnosis and treatment. Each individualized care plan includes cutting-edge therapies and services, such as pain management, physical rehabilitation, as well as nutritional advice, to address the whole patient. Not only do we focus on the treatment that is right for your type of bladder cancer, we focus on the treatment that is right for you as an individual.

What is bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the lining of the bladder. It is most often found in men, particularly men over age 70.

The bladder is an organ that collects and stores urine. It is located in the lower part of the abdomen (pelvis). When you urinate, the bladder muscles contract and force urine out through a tube called the urethra.

What are the types of bladder cancer?

Most bladder cancers form in the bladder’s inner lining (urothelium). This type of cancer is called urothelial carcinoma or urothelial carcinoma.

Other types of bladder cancer are small cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These less common cancer types are usually invasive, which means they have spread into deeper layers of the bladder wall and can be aggressive. They are sometimes a result of chronic irritation and inflammation.

What are the risk factors for bladder cancer?

The biggest risk factor for bladder cancer is tobacco use. Older men and Caucasians also have a higher risk of developing bladder cancer.

Other risk factors include:

• Working with organic chemicals, such as those used in the textile, dye, paint, leather, printing, or rubber industries
• Being over the age of 70
• Having a history of bladder irritation and infections
• Having a personal or family history of bladder or urothelial cancer
• Having certain genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome
• Receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment
• Using certain diabetes medicines, such as pioglitazone

What can you do to prevent bladder cancer?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent cancer. However, you can reduce your risk for bladder cancer by:

• Not using tobacco. Speak with your doctor if you need help quitting.
• Limiting your exposure to certain organic chemicals in the workplace. Industries that use organic chemicals include those that produce leather, printing materials, dyes, rubber, textiles and paint.
• Eating a healthy diet, which includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy. Talk with your doctor or a nutritionist about what you should include in a healthy diet.
• Drinking plenty of water.