Services

Bladder Cancer

Each year, about 74,000 people in the United States receive a bladder cancer diagnosis. To accurately diagnose bladder cancer in the earliest stages, experienced urologists John Bertini MD, James Harris, MD, Grant Redrow, MD, and Travis Green, MD at Gulf Coast Urology, offer on-site diagnostic testing, and customized treatments at their offices in Houston and Nassau Bay, Texas. If you have a family history of bladder cancer or symptoms like blood in your urine, schedule a consultation at Gulf Coast Urology today using the online booking feature or by calling the office. We care for patients throughout Houston, Clear Lake, Webster, League City, Friendswood, and Southeast Houston.

Important information
No items found.
Got questions?

FAQs

Find answers to common questions about appointment scheduling, insurance, and billing.

What causes bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer develops when abnormal cells in the bladder grow out of control and result in a tumor. Depending on the cells involved, you can develop different types of bladder cancer, including:

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is a rare type of bladder cancer that can develop due to chronic irritation in the bladder from an infection or frequent use of a catheter.

Adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma is also rare and begins in the cells that are part of glands in the bladder that secretes mucus.

Urothelial carcinoma

Urothelial carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer that affects the cells in the lining of the bladder. These cells expand and contract depending on whether your bladder is full or empty and can develop into tumors anywhere along the lining.

The most common causes of bladder cancer include tobacco use, radiation exposure, or exposure to certain chemicals. You may also be at an increased risk for bladder cancer if you have a family history of the disease or a personal history of other types of cancer.

While women can develop bladder cancer, the disease is more common in men.

What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?

One of the most common signs of bladder cancer is having blood in your urine. Blood may appear bright red or be a darker reddish-brown.

Other common symptoms of bladder cancer include:

  • Back pain
  • Pelvic pain
  • Painful urination
  • Frequent urination

Because a number of other medical conditions can cause these symptoms, it’s important that you schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Gulf Coast Urology as soon as possible.

How is bladder cancer diagnosed?

To determine if your symptoms relate to bladder cancer, the Gulf Coast Urology medical team offers several on-site diagnostic tests.

First, they may request a sample of your urine to look for blood or cancer cells. You may also need a procedure known as a cystoscopy, which takes place in-office.

A cystoscopy involves the insertion of a cystoscope, a small tube with an attached lens, into your urethra. This lens allows your Gulf Coast Urology physician a closer look at the inside of your bladder to identify abnormal cells and tumors.

How is bladder cancer treated?

Treatment for bladder cancer depends on how advanced the cancer is. Initially, your Gulf Coast Urology provider may recommend surgery to remove cancerous tissue from the bladder.  

You may need a transurethral resection of a bladder tumor (TURBT), the most common surgery for early-stage bladder cancer, to remove abnormal tissues or existing tumors. cystectomy is also a type of bladder cancer surgery that removes part or all of your bladder to prevent the spread of cancer.

You may also need chemotherapy to destroy all cancerous cells and prevent a recurrence of cancer.

The Gulf Coast Urology team also continues to monitor your bladder health following your treatment to ensure it’s functioning properly and that you have no other complications.

If you have blood in your urine or other symptoms of bladder cancer, schedule a consultation online or by calling Gulf Coast Urology today.

We’re here for you

Book your personalized care

To access the best, most comprehensive urological care, partner with the team at Gulf Coast Urology. Request your appointment today by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.

Gulf Coast Urology patient and doctor
Urology services

Comprehensive urological care for men and women

At Gulf Coast Urology, we offer a wide range of services to address urological issues in both men and women. Our experienced team of board-certified urologists provides personalized and compassionate care to meet the unique health needs of each patient. With state-of-the-art therapies and diagnostic technology, we create customized treatment plans to improve our patients' quality of life.

Contact Us

Find a location near you

We’re serving the greater Houston area.

Downtown Houston

713-650-1502

1315 St Joseph Pkwy # 1502
Houston, TX 77002

Get directions

Clear Lake

281-957-9658

2020 E NASA Pkwy #250
Houston, TX 77058

Get directions