Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer results from the unchecked growth of cancerous cells in the urinary bladder. More than 79,000 new bladder cancer cases are diagnosed in the United States every year, with men accounting for nearly 75% of them. There are several types of bladder cancer whose symptoms and treatments may vary.
At City of Hope, treatment begins with comprehensive screening and diagnostic tools and centers on our unique “coordinated care pathway,” in which our multidisciplinary teams combine the latest research findings with outstanding patient care.
“They actually listened to what I wanted from the surgery; they were able to give me options that other hospitals were not able to give me.”
- Christine Crews, bladder cancer survivor
Bladder cancer is a disease in which cells in the urinary bladder start growing abnormally and uncontrollably. About 90% of bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas (also known as urothelial carcinomas), which begin in the cells lining the bladder's inside.
Once you notice symptoms during a self-check or as part of a routine examination, your doctor may use the following tests to look for bladder cancer, including a physical exam, an internal exam, a urine lab test, a biopsy, a cystoscopy or fluorescence cystoscopy.
City of Hope offers the latest advances in bladder cancer care. It begins with our comprehensive screening and diagnostic tools and centers on our unique “coordinated care pathway,” in which our multidisciplinary teams combine the latest research findings with outstanding patient care.
As a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, City of Hope’s bladder cancer program is uniquely positioned to provide personalized and thorough treatment plans, along with access to groundbreaking clinical trials.
At City of Hope, bladder cancer clinicians and researchers collaborate extensively to develop and evaluate new therapies for better survival and quality-of-life outcomes.
When you come to City of Hope, you automatically gain access to an unparalleled array of support services to help you and your loved ones take each step during and after your bladder cancer treatment.
City of Hope is a nationally recognized leader in researching and treating urologic cancers. As a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, our doctors also develop evidence-based bladder cancer treatment guidelines for patients throughout the country.
Bladder Cancer Program Highlights:
- Leadership and experience in bladder surgery. One of the largest centers offering robotic cystectomies with novel urinary diversion options, such as Indiana pouches and neobladders.
- Surgical expertise in minimally invasive procedures
- Specialization in urinary tract reconstruction and treatment of erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence and urologic retroperitoneal disease
- A “coordinated care pathway” integrating experts from multiple specialties to focus on cases through the entire continuum of care and rehabilitation — expediting recovery, improving outcomes and enhancing patient experience
- A comprehensive portfolio of better cancer-fighting drugs with fewer side effects
- Ongoing research on and clinical trials for promising new therapies, including immunity-based and stem cell therapies
- Long-term survivorship and follow-up program focused on minimizing recurrence risk and improving quality of life
City of Hope is one of the few facilities designated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute.
Our developments in the areas of breakthrough cancer drugs, bone marrow transplants and CAR T cell therapy are recognized internationally.
Our leadership in research and innovation continually enhances our ability to provide novel and differentiated approaches to cancer care.
