Bladder cancer involves any one of the following cell carcinomas in the lining of the bladder: transitional, squamous, or adenocarcinoma. This is the most common form of cancer associated with the urinary tract.
We, in the medical community, believe that this form of cancer takes a while to express itself as the cells in the bladder slowly change in structure and function.
According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, the numbers related to bladder cancer cases in America, in 2018, will be:
Bladder cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancers in men, while women tend to have a much rarer incidence of developing the disease. Statistics indicate that 1 in 27 men will develop this type of cancer during their life, while only 1 in 89 women will be diagnosed with it. In terms of age of diagnosis, the average is 73. 9 out of 10 people that are diagnosed are over the age of 55.
White people are more likely to be diagnosed with bladder cancer that African American or Hispanic Americans.
The overall survival rate for bladder cancer (considering all stages of the disease) is:
Taking the staging of the disease into consideration, the survival rates are encouraging for cancers that are discovered as early as possible. Data collected by the National Cancer Institute from patients diagnosed with bladder cancer between 1988 and 2001 reveal the following:
Please take into consideration that these survival rates are just statistics and every person’s chances will depend on a numerous of factors. It is always better to discuss your options with your doctor.
Common symptoms include:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should come to our office for a medical examination and evaluation. A cystoscopy—the use of a thin, lighted tube that allows us to see the bladder directly—is a useful diagnostic tool for determining problems with your bladder. In order to get a definitive diagnosis of bladder cancer, we need to take a biopsy of the bladder tissue and examine the cells under a microscope.
The cystoscopy doesn’t usually hurt, but you might feel a slight urination sensation. If the sensation doesn’t disappear shortly, you can tell your doctor or your nurse. The anesthesia is local so you will likely be awake. However, you will be given a sedative, so be sure you have someone to take you home after the procedure. People usually fear this procedure, but it’s a standard one, with minimal risks.
If cancer is diagnosed, then early-stage tumors may be removed surgically through the cystoscope. If we believe that the cancer is advanced, then we need to remove the entire bladder. Radiation and chemotherapy may also be used after surgery for medical management reasons. For more challenging operations, we prefer to use the da Vinci Robotic System, which is the latest in minimally invasive surgery (MIS).
Kidney cancer is the growth of malignant cells in one or both kidneys. The two kidneys, located deep in the body at about the middle of the back, control the fluid balance in the body and filter wastes out of the blood and into the urine. The renal pelvis is the site in the kidney where the urine pools. From there, it moves through a narrow conduit and empties into the bladder. There are three main types of kidney cancer: renal cell carcinoma (RCC), transitional cell cancer (TCC), and Wilms’ tumor—which affects young children. Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 85% of all kidney cancers. Remember, only one kidney is necessary to support life. So if a kidney is cancerous and has to be removed, the other kidney takes over the function of the missing one.
Like most cancers, there is no single cause for the growth of malignant cells in the kidney. Nevertheless, there are several risk factors:
Symptoms include:
Diagnosis begins with detailed family history and a complete physical examination. Part of the exam has us press on your abdomen to feel for any unusual solid masses. Urine is tested for blood and the presence of cancer cells. An X-ray of the kidney is taken, as well as ultrasound, CT scans, and an MRI. The point of these imaging tests is to determine the nature of the abnormality of the kidney and to see the extent of cancer. Chest X-rays and bone scans may be ordered to check for distant cancer sites.
The most effective form of treatment is the surgical removal of the kidney. Radiation and chemotherapy may be used to destroy cancer cells at surgical margins. Immunotherapy may also be used for medical management.
Dr. Samadi is one of the very few urologic surgeons in the United States trained in oncology, open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery. He is also the first surgeon in the United States to successfully perform a robotic surgery redo. To date, Dr. Samadi has performed over 7,000+ prostate surgeries. This is more than any other prostate cancer surgeons in all of New York.