Urothelial Carcinoma
The most common type of bladder cancer. It begins in the urothelial cells lining the inside of the bladder and can also occur elsewhere in the urinary tract.
Understanding Bladder Cancer
Bladder Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Bladder cancer develops in the tissues of the urinary bladder and may present with blood in the urine, changes in urination or other urinary symptoms. At SSO Hospitals, patients receive comprehensive bladder cancer care, from diagnosis and staging to personalised treatment planning, bladder cancer surgery and follow-up care.
Overview
What Is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the urinary bladder grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. The bladder is a hollow muscular organ that stores urine before it leaves the body. Most bladder cancers begin in the cells lining the inside of the bladder, known as urothelial or transitional cells.
Bladder cancer can range from a tumour confined to the inner lining of the bladder to cancer that grows into the bladder muscle or spreads to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs. The stage and characteristics of the cancer help determine the most appropriate treatment.
Bladder cancer begins when cells in the bladder lining develop changes that cause abnormal growth. The cancer may initially remain within the bladder lining, but some tumours can grow deeper into the bladder wall and potentially spread beyond the bladder.
Symptoms
Bladder Cancer Symptoms
The most common sign of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, also known as haematuria. Other bladder cancer symptoms can include:
Clinical picture
Stages, types and how we diagnose
Bladder cancer staging describes how deeply the tumour has grown into the bladder wall and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
0Stage
Stage 0
Abnormal or cancerous cells are confined to the inner lining of the bladder.
IStage
Stage I
The cancer has grown into the connective tissue beneath the bladder lining but has not reached the bladder muscle.
IIStage
Stage II
The cancer has grown into the muscular wall of the bladder.
IIIStage
Stage III
The cancer has spread beyond the bladder into nearby tissues and/or nearby lymph nodes.
IVStage
Stage IV
The cancer has spread to more distant lymph nodes or distant organs such as the lungs, liver or bones.
Bladder cancer staging describes how deeply the tumour has grown into the bladder wall and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Bladder cancers are classified according to the type of cell in which they begin.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
A less common type that develops from squamous cells and may be associated with long-term bladder irritation or infection.
Adenocarcinoma
A rare bladder cancer that develops from gland-forming cells.
Other Rare Tumours
Other uncommon bladder tumours may include small-cell carcinoma and certain sarcomas. Their treatment depends on the specific pathology.
Diagnosing bladder cancer involves evaluating urinary symptoms, examining the urinary tract and determining whether abnormal cells or a tumour are present. Investigations may include:
Medical history and physical examination
Urine analysis
Urine cytology to look for abnormal cells
Blood tests
Ultrasound
CT scan or CT urography
MRI in selected cases
Cystoscopy
Biopsy or tumour removal during transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT)
Cystoscopy allows a doctor to examine the inside of the bladder using a thin camera. When a suspicious lesion is identified, tissue can be removed or sampled for pathological examination. TURBT is commonly used both to diagnose bladder tumours and, in selected cases, to remove visible tumours.
Risk & treatment
Bladder Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
The exact cause of bladder cancer is not always known. Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Having a risk factor does not mean that a person will develop bladder cancer. Some people develop bladder cancer without an identifiable risk factor.
Increasing age
Tobacco smoking
Exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace
Previous radiation therapy to the pelvis
Certain chemotherapy medicines
Chronic bladder irritation or inflammation
Previous bladder cancer
Certain parasitic infections in regions where they are common
Family history or inherited genetic factors in some cases
Bladder Cancer Treatment
Bladder cancer treatment depends on whether the tumour is non-muscle-invasive or muscle-invasive, the tumour's grade and stage, its number and location, previous treatments and the patient's overall health. Treatment may include surgery, intravesical therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy.
Bladder Cancer Treatment
Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT)
TURBT is a minimally invasive procedure performed through the urethra without an external abdominal incision. A specialised instrument is used to examine and remove bladder tumour tissue. TURBT is commonly used to diagnose bladder cancer and treat many non-muscle-invasive tumours.
Intravesical Therapy
For selected non-muscle-invasive bladder cancers, medicines may be placed directly into the bladder through a catheter. Depending on the tumour characteristics, treatment may include intravesical chemotherapy or immunotherapy such as BCG.
Partial Cystectomy
In carefully selected patients, part of the bladder containing the tumour may be removed while preserving the remaining bladder. Whether this approach is suitable depends on the tumour's location, size and other clinical factors.
Radical Cystectomy
For selected muscle-invasive or high-risk bladder cancers, removal of the entire bladder may be recommended. This is called a radical cystectomy. Because the bladder stores urine, urinary reconstruction or diversion is required after the bladder is removed.
Urinary Diversion
Following radical cystectomy, the surgical team creates a new pathway for urine to leave the body. Depending on the patient's circumstances, options may include an ileal conduit or, in selected patients, a continent urinary diversion or neobladder.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be administered directly into the bladder for selected non-muscle-invasive cancers or given systemically for muscle-invasive or advanced disease. In some patients, systemic chemotherapy may be recommended before or after bladder cancer surgery.
Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy
Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells and may be used in selected bladder cancers. Targeted therapies may also be considered when specific molecular characteristics are present. Treatment selection depends on the stage, pathology and biomarker profile of the tumour.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may be used in selected patients, sometimes in combination with chemotherapy as part of a bladder-preserving treatment approach. It may also be used to control symptoms or treat specific areas of advanced disease.
Bladder-Preserving Treatment
Some carefully selected patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer may be considered for a bladder-preserving approach using a combination of tumour removal, radiation and chemotherapy. Suitability depends on factors such as tumour characteristics, bladder function and the patient's overall health.
Treatment for Advanced Bladder Cancer
When bladder cancer has spread beyond the bladder, treatment generally focuses on controlling the disease, managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life. Depending on the tumour's characteristics, treatment may include systemic chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or other approaches.
Multidisciplinary Bladder Cancer Care
Bladder cancer treatment may involve urologic oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, nursing and supportive-care specialists. A multidisciplinary approach helps coordinate diagnosis, staging and treatment decisions.
Having a risk factor does not mean that a person will develop bladder cancer. Some people develop bladder cancer without an identifiable risk factor.
Why SSO?
Why Choose SSO Hospitals for Bladder Cancer Care?
Bladder cancer can require different treatment approaches depending on whether the disease is limited to the bladder lining, has invaded the bladder muscle or has spread elsewhere. SSO Hospitals brings together specialised cancer and urologic expertise to support patients through diagnosis, treatment planning, surgery and follow-up care.
- Specialised urologic and oncologic expertise
- Multidisciplinary cancer care
- Comprehensive diagnosis and staging
- Advanced surgical treatment options
- Individualised treatment planning
- Coordination across surgical, medical and radiation oncology
Our specialists
Our Bladder Cancer Specialists
Meet our specialists involved in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder and other urological cancers.
21+ YrsDr. Sanket Mehta
Gastrointestinal Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery · HIPEC · PIPAC
SSO Cancer Hospital Ghatkopar West, Charni Road & SRCC
35+ YrsDr. Kamran A. Khan
Breast Cancer · Gynaecological Cancer · GI & Colorectal Cancer · Robotic Oncologic Surgery · Organ-Preserving Surgery · Oncoplastic Breast Surgery · Minimal Access Gynaecological Oncology
Saifee Hospital · SSO Cancer Hospital Charni Road
35+ Yrs
25+ YrsDr. Chetan Anchan
Bone Tumours · Soft Tissue Tumours · Sarcoma Surgery · Musculoskeletal Oncology · Skeletal Metastases
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
21+ Yrs
20+ YrsDr. Nilesh Chordiya
GI Oncology · Colorectal Cancer Surgery · Gynaecological Cancer Surgery · Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Thane
18+ YrsDr. Kant Shah
Paediatric Cancer Surgery · Paediatric Robotic Surgery · Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery · Paediatric Hepatobiliary Surgery · Paediatric Urology · Minimally Invasive Paediatric Surgery
SRCC, Mumbai
16+ YrsDr. Jay Anam
Breast Cancer · Breast Cancer Surgery · Breast Conservation Surgery · Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
16+ YrsDr. Praveen Kammar
GI Oncology · Colorectal Cancer · Gynaecological Oncology · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Robotic & Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West & Ghatkopar West
14+ YrsDr. Shrikant Atluri
Uro-Oncology · Robotic Urologic Surgery · Kidney Cancer · Bladder Cancer · Prostate Cancer · Genitourinary Cancers
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
13+ YrsDr. Amit Chakraborty
Head & Neck Cancer · Oral Cancer · Tongue Cancer · Laryngeal Cancer · Thyroid Cancer · Salivary Gland Cancer
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
13+ YrsDr. Niharika Garach
Breast Cancer · Gynaecological Cancer · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery · HIPEC · PIPAC
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
13+ YrsDr. Vivek Sukumar
GI Oncology · Colorectal Oncology · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Minimally Invasive GI & Colorectal Oncology
SSO Cancer Hospital, Vashi
10+ YrsDr. Jitesh Rajpurohit
Thoracic Oncology · Lung Cancer · Oesophageal Cancer · Mediastinal Tumours · Chest Wall Tumours · VATS Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
9+ YrsDr. Kaival K. Gundavda
GI Oncology · HPB Oncology · Liver Cancer · Pancreatic Cancer · Biliary Cancers · Robotic & Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West · Ghatkopar West · Charni Road
8+ YrsDr. Veeresh Kumar Ireddy
Robotic Surgery · Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery · GI & HPB Oncology · Breast Oncology · Thoracic Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery & HIPEC
SSO Cancer Hospital, Belagavi
8+ Yrs
7+ YrsDr. Shirish Patil
Head & Neck Oncology · Skull Base Surgery · Organ-Preserving Cancer Surgery · Microvascular Reconstruction
SSO Cancer Hospital, Belagavi
7+ YrsDr. Deep Gala
Blood Disorders · Blood Cancers · Leukemia · Lymphoma · Multiple Myeloma · Bone Marrow Transplantation · Cellular Therapy · Immunotherapy
SSO Cancer Hospital Andheri West · Borivali · SRCC
7+ Yrs
6+ YrsDr. Imaan Rumani
Breast Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Breast-Conserving Surgery · Oncoplastic Breast Surgery · Minimal Access Surgery · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · HIPEC · S-LYMPHA
SSO Cancer Hospital, Thane
6+ Yrs
5+ YrsDr. Anuj Suketu Shah
Gastrointestinal Cancer · Gynaecological Cancer · Peritoneal Surface Malignancies · HPB Surgery · Minimally Invasive Oncology · CRS · HIPEC · PIPAC
EPIC Hospital, Ahmedabad
4+ Yrs
4+ YrsDr. Vijay Tiwari
Head & Neck Oncology · Oral Cancer Surgery · Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery · Laryngeal & Pharyngeal Cancer Surgery · Reconstructive Oncology · Maxillofacial & Craniofacial Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
4+ YrsDr. Krishnanunni Nair
Oral Cancer Surgery · Head & Neck Surgical Oncology · Jaw Tumour Surgery · Salivary Gland Tumour Surgery · Maxillofacial Reconstruction
SSO Cancer Hospital, Vashi & White Lotus International Hospital, Navi Mumbai
3+ YrsDr. Sayed Aafreen Jamal Nasir
Breast Cancer · Gynaecological Cancers · Peritoneal Surface Malignancies
SSO Cancer Hospital Andheri · Borivali
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Bladder Cancer
If yours isn't here, call +91 - 8976897203 and ask us directly.
The most common symptom is blood in the urine, known as haematuria. It may be visible or detected during urine testing. Blood in the urine can have several causes, so medical evaluation is important.
Many bladder cancers, particularly those detected before they invade the bladder muscle or spread to distant organs, can be treated with curative intent. Treatment depends on the type, grade and stage of the cancer.
No. Many bladder cancers can be managed without removing the entire bladder. Treatment depends on whether the cancer is non-muscle-invasive or muscle-invasive, as well as its grade, stage, location and other characteristics.
Survival varies according to the stage, grade, tumour type and response to treatment. Population-level survival statistics cannot predict an individual patient's outcome. Your doctor can explain prognosis based on your specific diagnosis and treatment plan.
Bladder cancer develops due to changes in bladder cells that cause abnormal growth. Smoking is an important risk factor, while exposure to certain workplace chemicals, previous pelvic radiation, chronic bladder irritation and some other factors can also increase risk.
TURBT stands for transurethral resection of bladder tumour. It is a procedure performed through the urethra to examine and remove bladder tumour tissue. It is commonly used to diagnose and treat non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Yes. Bladder cancer can recur, particularly in people who have previously had non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Regular follow-up and surveillance are therefore an important part of bladder cancer care.
Yes. Advanced bladder cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes and distant organs, including the lungs, liver and bones. The treatment approach depends on where the cancer has spread and its biological characteristics.
Google reviews
What our patients say about us
Unedited words from patients and families, straight from our review pages.
4.8800+ Google reviews
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
Care, close to home
Nine centres across Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Belagavi. Pick what's closest and we'll match you to the right surgeon there.
SSO Ghatkopar
HospitalSilver Point, 7th Floor, Specialty Surgical Oncology Hospital and Research Centre, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Kasturi Park, Maneklal Estate, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400086
089768 97203
SSO Thane
HospitalFirst Floor, Surgical Speciality Oncology Hospital, Highland Sky Arcade, Shop F, 11A and F-12, Naupada, Thane West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400602
089768 97203
SSO Hospital Andheri
Hospital2nd Floor, Specialty Surgical Oncology, New Link Rd, above Bellevue Hospital, next to Audi Showroom, Sahakar Nagar, Azad Nagar, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
089768 97201
SSO Chembur
Clinic6th floor, Business Point, Ramakrishna Chemburkar Marg, near Savla Hospital, Chembur Gaothan, Kurla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071
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SSO Vashi
ClinicNo. 51, Shanti Center Building, 4th floor, Clinic, above Parichay Hotel, Sector 17, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400703
082688 80185
SSO Charni Road
Clinic9th Floor, Mehta Mahal, 9 B, Shrimad Rajchandraji Marg, Charni Road East, Opera House, Girgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
089768 97201
SRCC
HospitalNh Srcc Children's Hospital, 1-1A, Keshavrao Khadye Marg, Haji Ali, Haji Ali Government Colony, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400034
089768 97201
Belagavi
Hospital9666A-2/D, behind BUDA Office, Ashok Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Belgavi, Karnataka 590016
8976897201
Ahmedabad
Hospitalopp. Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Auditorium Hall, behind Rajpath Rangoli Road, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380054, India
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