• UPNT clinics will open at a delayed time at 10 AM on 11/11-23 Secondary to the ice storm. we will continue to update on the website as conditions may change.
  • UPNT clinics will open at a delayed time at 10 AM on 11/11-23 Secondary to the ice storm. we will continue to update on the website as conditions may change.
  • UPNT clinics will open at a delayed time at 10 AM on 11/11-23 Secondary to the ice storm. we will continue to update on the website as conditions may change.
UPNT Logo header
Find Location
Request Appointment
866-367-8768
hamburger
Menu

Bladder Cancer Treatment in Dallas-Fort Worth | Urology Partners of North Texas

Expert Bladder Cancer Care in DFW – Personalized Treatment and Innovative Options
Our board-certified urologists offer advanced therapies and access to cutting-edge clinical trials to give you the best care possible.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
656eeff3-8d8f-4dd1-9a44-99967c418d96

How Common is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, especially among men and older adults. Each year, more than 80,000 Americans are diagnosed with bladder cancer. Fortunately, when caught early, bladder cancer is highly treatable.

The most common symptom that brings patients to our clinic is blood in the urine (hematuria). Other symptoms can include:

  • Frequent urination or urgency – even when your bladder isn’t full.
  • Pain or burning during urination.
  • Lower back pain, especially on one side.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an evaluation. Early diagnosis can make all the difference in your treatment outcomes.
af92cddb-e9c8-4971-a5c0-c5a09c790cd9

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer begins in the cells that line the inside of the bladder. It can range from non-invasive cancer, which stays on the surface, to muscle-invasive cancer, which spreads deeper into the bladder wall and beyond.

Types of Bladder Cancer:

  • Urothelial Carcinoma (Transitional Cell Carcinoma): The most common type.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Linked to chronic bladder irritation or infection.
  • Adenocarcinoma: A rare type that forms in mucus-producing bladder cells.

Bladder Cancer Treatment Options at Urology Partners

At UPNT, your treatment plan is personalized based on your cancer’s grade, stage, and overall health. Here are the most common treatment options we offer:

1. Surgery for Bladder Cancer

Surgery is often the first step in treating bladder cancer. The main surgical procedure is Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT), which allows us to remove the tumor and diagnose the cancer’s grade and stage.

What is TURBT?

Think of it like carving out the inside of an avocado—we carefully remove the tumor from the bladder wall without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. This is done through a thin scope inserted into the bladder, so no external incisions are needed.
  • When is TURBT used? For non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer or to diagnose and stage the disease.
  • What happens next? After the tumor is removed, we’ll analyze it to determine its grade and stage. Often, intravesical therapy (like BCG) is used after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.
954d6b51-c761-4710-b91a-5e82db2db6d7

2. Intravesical Therapy (Medicine Placed in the Bladder)

Intravesical therapy delivers medicine directly into the bladder to treat non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and reduce the risk of recurrence.

BCG Therapy (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin):

  • A highly effective immunotherapy that stimulates your immune system to attack cancer cells.
  • Typically given once a week for six weeks, with maintenance treatments over several months.

Other Intravesical Therapies:

  • Gemcitabine: A chemotherapy drug for patients who cannot tolerate BCG.
  • Mitomycin-C: Used to prevent cancer from coming back after surgery.
  • Gemcitabine and Docetaxel Combination: A newer option for preventing recurrence after BCG failure.

3. Radical Cystectomy (Bladder Removal Surgery)

For muscle-invasive bladder cancer or high-risk cases, radical cystectomy may be the best option. This surgery removes the bladder and surrounding tissues to prevent the cancer from spreading further.

What Does Radical Cystectomy Involve?

  • The bladder is removed, along with nearby lymph nodes and sometimes surrounding organs (such as the prostate in men or part of the reproductive organs in women).
  • After bladder removal, your surgeon will create a new way for your body to store and pass urine. This is called urinary diversion and can involve:
  • Ileal conduit (Urostomy): An external pouch collects urine through a stoma.
  • Neobladder: A new bladder is made from part of the intestine, allowing you to urinate normally.
  • Continent catheterizable pouch: A pouch inside the body that you empty with a catheter.

Why Radical Cystectomy is Important:

While it’s a major surgery, radical cystectomy offers the best chance of a cure for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Our experienced surgeons will discuss all options with you and help you choose the approach that fits your lifestyle and needs.

4. The Role of Clinical Trials in Bladder Cancer Treatment

For many patients, clinical trials offer access to new, potentially life-changing treatments that aren’t yet widely available. These trials are designed to improve outcomes and expand treatment options, especially for high-risk and advanced bladder cancer.

Why Clinical Trials Matter:

  • Access to Innovative Therapies: New drugs, immunotherapy options, and combination treatments may offer better results than standard therapies.
  • Personalized Treatment Approaches: Some trials focus on targeted therapies designed for your specific type of cancer.
  • Improved Outcomes: Many clinical trials aim to reduce side effects and improve survival rates.

At Urology Partners of North Texas, we’re proud to connect patients with leading clinical trials that may help them fight bladder cancer more effectively. Our team will guide you through the process and help you decide if a trial is right for you.

Why Choose Urology Partners of North Texas?

When it comes to bladder cancer care, experience and innovation matter. At UPNT, we offer:
  • Experienced Specialists: Leaders in bladder cancer treatment and advanced surgeries like radical cystectomy.
  • Personalized Plans: Tailored to your diagnosis and lifestyle.
  • Access to Clinical Trials: Bringing tomorrow’s treatments to you today.
  • Comprehensive Support: We’re with you every step of the way—from diagnosis to recovery.
8bf8bd32-0a4e-4fb0-96d7-bd6aba04bf94

Take the First Step – Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bladder cancer, Urology Partners of North Texas is here to help. Our team offers personalized care, advanced treatments, and access to life-changing clinical trials.

Schedule your appointment today

CONTACT

866-367-8768
  • 5005 S. Cooper St. Suite 250 Arlington, TX 76017
Medical instruments

Existing Patients - Click Here to Request Appointment

Click here
New Patients to Schedule Appointment

New Patients - Click Here to Schedule Appointment

Click here
Urology-partners-logo

This Website and associated Web Properties is intended to provide our users with educational information only and IS ONLY PROVIDED AS A CONVENIENCE, is not to be considered as a valid resource for information or contact or communication with a Urology Partners of North Texas, PLLC physician, our practice or its staff. This site and all of its information is NOT INTENDED TO OFFER MEDICAL ADVICE to any specific person. This site may provide you with information or facilitate your communication with a health care provider, but is not a substitute for the professional judgment of a health care provider. Call your health care provider or dial “911” immediately if you think you have a medical emergency. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider prior to starting any new treatment, or if you have any questions regarding symptoms or a medical condition.

© 2023 Urology Partners – All rights reserved. Privacy Policy

Schedule
Resume

Maximum file size: 134.22MB