Overview

Bladder carcinoma, commonly known as bladder cancer, begins in the cells lining the inside of the bladder — the organ that stores urine. It is one of the most common cancers of the urinary system, especially in older adults.

Early detection plays a major role in successful treatment. At I D Cancer Center, we provide advanced diagnostics, expert uro-oncology care, and precision radiotherapy tailored to each patient’s needs.

Types of Bladder Cancer

1. Urothelial Carcinoma (Transitional Cell Carcinoma)

• Most common type

• Starts in the inner lining of the bladder

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Often linked to chronic irritation or infection

3. Adenocarcinoma

• Rare; arises from glandular cells

4. Carcinoma In Situ (CIS)

• Flat, high-grade tumour

• Aggressive, requires close monitoring

Common Symptoms

Bladder cancer often presents early with urinary symptoms:

Urinary Symptoms

• Blood in urine (painless hematuria)

• Frequent urination

• Burning or pain during urination

• Feeling of incomplete emptying

Advanced Stage Symptoms

• Pelvic pain

• Back or flank pain

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

Any painless blood in urine should be evaluated immediately.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the risk of bladder carcinoma:

• Smoking (biggest risk factor)

• Long-term chemical exposure (dyes, rubber, leather industries)

• Chronic urinary infections

• Bladder stones

• Prior pelvic radiation

• Chemotherapy drugs (e.g., cyclophosphamide)

• Older age

• Male gender

• Family history

Diagnosis at I D Cancer Center

We follow a comprehensive diagnostic approach:

1. Urine Tests

• Urine analysis

• Urine cytology

• Urinary tumour marker tests

2. Imaging

• Ultrasound

• CT Scan / MRI

• CT Urogram (detailed urinary tract imaging)

3. Cystoscopy

• Direct visualization of bladder

• Allows biopsy of suspicious lesions

4. Biopsy & Histopathology

• Confirms cancer type and grade

• Determines depth of invasion

Each case is reviewed in our Multidisciplinary Tumour Board.

Treatment Options

1. Treatment for Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC)

TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour)

• Initial removal of the tumour

• Often followed by intravesical therapy

Intravesical Therapy

• BCG immunotherapy

• Intravesical chemotherapy

Used to prevent recurrence and progression.

2. Treatment for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC)

Radical Cystectomy

• Removal of bladder (in selected cases)

• Urinary diversion created

Bladder-Preserving Therapies

At I D Cancer Center, many patients benefit from:

• Trimodality treatment
  ✔ TURBT
  ✔ Chemotherapy
  ✔ Precision Radiotherapy (IMRT/IGRT/VMAT)

Provides excellent tumour control while preserving the bladder.

3. Radiation Therapy

Used in:

• Bladder-preservation programs

• Patients unfit for surgery

• Post-operative settings

• Symptom relief in advanced disease

Radiotherapy techniques at I D Cancer Center:

• IMRT

• IGRT

• VMAT

• Adaptive planning for organ motion

4. Chemotherapy

Used as:

• Concurrent chemoradiation

• Neoadjuvant (before surgery)

• Adjuvant (after surgery)

• Systemic therapy for metastatic cancer

Common drugs: cisplatin, gemcitabine, MVAC regimen.

5. Immunotherapy

Advanced options include:

• PD-1 / PD-L1 inhibitors

• Used in metastatic or refractory bladder cancer
  Improves survival and quality of life.

6. Palliative Care

For advanced disease:

• Pain relief

• Management of bleeding

• Obstruction relief

• Supportive care & counseling

Prognosis

Regular follow-ups with cystoscopy and imaging are essential.

Why Choose I D Cancer Center?

• Expert oncology care by Dr. Sunil Kumar

• Precision bladder radiotherapy (IMRT/IGRT/VMAT)

• Multidisciplinary uro-oncology evaluation

• Modern imaging & cystoscopy support

• Personalized treatment plans

• Patient-centered counselling and follow-up