Bladder cancer
Bladder cancer care at our Alpharetta / Roswell office.
Blood in the urine is the finding that brings many people in, and it always deserves a clear look. Our urologists at this office evaluate the bladder carefully and, when cancer is found, talk through the treatments Advanced Urology actually offers, including BCG when it is appropriate.
What symptoms can bladder cancer cause?
The symptom that should never be ignored is blood in the urine, even if it happens once and then clears. Some people also notice more frequent urination, urgency, or discomfort, but blood — visible or found on a dipstick — is the usual reason to book a visit at this office. Pain in the side or weight loss is less common and should be mentioned at the visit; sudden severe pain or heavy clots belongs in an emergency room.
When should I see a urologist?
Any episode of blood in the urine is a reason to call, including if a primary-care test already picked it up. People from Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Crabapple and Mountain Park are seen at this office. Bring the urine results and any imaging you already have.
How do our urologists evaluate the bladder?
A typical workup includes a careful history, a urine test, and a look at the bladder lining with a cystoscope, often with imaging of the kidneys and ureters as well. Those steps are how our urologists find, or rule out, a growth in the urinary tract. Some testing can be started in this building; a cystoscopy is explained in advance so you know what the day involves.
What treatments does Advanced Urology offer for bladder cancer?
Treatment depends on how deep the tumor goes and what the pathology shows. For many non-muscle-invasive cancers, the first procedure is a transurethral removal of the tumor, and BCG treatment may be discussed afterward; our team has written about BCG, including what to consider if it is not working as hoped. Muscle-invasive disease, or cancer higher in the urinary tract, is a different conversation and may involve more extensive surgery, including work with Dr. Rut Patel when robotic surgery is part of the plan. Every option has risks, which are reviewed with you first.
What is recovery like?
After a transurethral tumor removal, there is often a short period of blood in the urine and a need to take it easy, with specific instructions about when to call. BCG is given as a series of treatments in the office or a procedure suite, and you will be told how to handle the hours after each dose. Recovery after a larger operation is planned in more detail at the visit that precedes it.
What is upper tract urothelial cancer?
It is a cancer of the lining of the kidney collecting system or the ureter, related to but not the same as a bladder tumor. If that is the concern, our urologists will say so plainly and talk through imaging and treatment in that light. We have an article on the topic if you want a short written briefing before you come in.
Where should I start if blood appeared a single time?
Start with a visit even if the urine looks clear again. Blood in the urine explains why a single episode still matters, and how the evaluation is organized at this office.
Related: Blood in the urine · Kidney cancer · Dr. Rut Patel · Our office · Bladder cancer at Advanced Urology
Related articles from our team
- Blood in Urine From a UTI or Stone?
- What Is Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer?
- BCG Treatment for Bladder Cancer
For education, not medical advice. Every treatment has risks and benefits. Emergency? Call 911 or go to an emergency room.
Whenever you’re ready, our Alpharetta / Roswell team would be glad to hear from you.