Bladder Cancer Treatment in Topeka, KS

Over 28 Years of Experience Diagnosing and Treating Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men. It’s estimated that about 59,000 men are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year, as of 2016. Unlike some other cancers that tend to be more genetically caused, like that of the prostate, bladder cancer can be preventable. However, if not treated early, bladder cancer can easily spread to lymph nodes of the pelvis, abdomen, or even the neck.  Dr. Brad Rupp is a board-certified urologist highly trained in diagnosing and treating bladder cancer.  He will take the time to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.  Call  (785) 354-7877 to schedule an appointment at our urology office in Topeka, Leavenworth, or Emporia, KS today!

What is the Diagnosis and Treatment of Bladder Cancer?

If you experience symptoms of bladder cancer listed below and have multiple risk factors, chances are Dr. Rupp will conduct a test. Some general tests include a urine analysis and biopsy. In some cases, the urologist will conduct a cystoscopy (inserting a tube with a camera into your bladder), or imaging tests. However, imaging tests are usually done once bladder cancer is confirmed and staging needs to be determined.

Treatment for bladder cancer, once confirmed, will most likely be surgery. Whether it’s surgery to just remove the tumor or to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue depends on the staging of bladder cancer.  If caught early enough, Dr. Rupp can conduct a surgical procedure called a transurethral resection of bladder tumor, abbreviated as TURBT.  This procedure is used to treat bladder cancer by removing potentially cancerous tissue.  Another surgical option is called a cystectomy. Dr. Rupp uses da Vinci robotic to perform a minimally invasive cystectomy. In some extreme cases, the entire bladder needs to be removed. However if caught early enough, immunotherapy or radiation therapy options may be available.

What are the Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer?

There are risk factors for bladder cancer that can be avoided, and some that cannot. Risk factors include:

• Family history
• Age (most men are diagnosed over the age of 70)
• Smoking
• Exposure to certain chemicals, such as those in dyes, paint, and textiles
• Being a white male

Age and smoking are actually the two biggest risk factors for bladder cancer. Quitting smoking alone can decrease your chances of getting bladder cancer, along with other medical issues and cancers, tremendously. The biggest cause of bladder cancer is your body being exposed to various chemicals that can’t be properly filtered out through your kidney. This is true for the chemicals in cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco as well as being exposed to other chemicals such as those in the print or textile industry for people working near dyes and paint.

What are the Symptoms of Bladder Cancer?

Symptoms of bladder cancer include:

• Blood in urine
• Frequent urination
• Painful urination
• Back and pelvic pain

The most common symptom is blood in urine. Most of these symptoms can also indicate a urinary tract infection and other urinary disorders, therefore it’s important to talk with Dr. Rupp about all symptoms you are having.