Bladder and kidney cancers are among the most commonly diagnosed cancers
in the United States, with almost 70,000 people affected every year. In
south Louisiana, we have an even higher risk of these cancers, as several
risk factors - including a high incidence of smoking and frequent exposure
to chemicals - are prevalent in our environment and communities. Bladder
and kidney cancer is more common in males, particularly as they get older,
but can occur at any age.
A common early warning sign of this condition is the presence of blood
in the urine. However, trace amounts aren't always visible and often require
tests by your physician to diagnose. Other warning signs include an increase
in urinary frequency and pain in the bladder.
Treatment options
Treatment options for bladder and kidney cancers depend on a number of
things, including the type of cancer and its stage when diagnosed, as
well as your overall health and treatment preferences.
Common treatment options include:
Surgical options to remove cancerous tissue
Chemotherapy in the bladder to treat tumors that are confined to the lining
of the bladder but have a high risk of recurrence or progression to a
higher stage
Chemotherapy for the whole body a primary treatment in cases where surgery
isn't an option, or to increase the chance for a cure after a surgical treatment
Radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells, often as a primary treatment
in cases where surgery isn't an option
Immunotherapy to trigger the body's immune system to fight cancer cells,
either in the bladder or throughout the body
Reconstruction to create a new way for urine to exit the body after bladder removal
A combination of treatment approaches may be recommended by your doctor
and care team.
Research and clinical trials
Our cancer center is on the forefront of groundbreaking research in the
treatment of many cancers, including bladder and kidney cancers. Additionally,
we offer access to a variety of clinical trials for every stage of these
cancers that provide a host of alternative treatment options. Many of
these trials provide new, innovative alternatives to common treatments,
and they have been designed by the same physicians providing your care.
If you or a loved one are currently undergoing treatment and would like
to explore these alternative clinical trial options - or if you are experiencing
any of the above symptoms and would like to speak with a physician - please
call our Cancer Clinic at
504.988.7444 and speak with our patient referral coordinator.
