Daniel Oberlin MD
Top urologist in robotic surgery and oncology; Bay Area: Berkeley Oakland

Bladder or urothelial Cancer

If you’ve recently been experiencing problems with urination, such as blood in your urine or pain during or after urination, you might be experiencing symptoms of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, affecting more than 68,000 people each year. 

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Bladder Cancer Q & A

Who is at risk for bladder cancer?

A number of factors can heighten your risk of bladder cancer:

Smoking

Cigarettes and other tobacco products cause a buildup of harmful chemicals in the urine. These chemicals damage the lining in your bladder, which over time increases your risk of developing bladder cancer.  Even if you stop smoking, your risk of bladder cancer is increased.

Family history

A family history of bladder cancer puts you at greater risk.  Bladder cancer also has a high probability of coming back, so if you’ve had the disease before, you’re at high risk of developing bladder cancer again.

Chronic bladder inflammation

Frequent urinary tract infections or inflammation of the bladder can lead to the development of bladder cancer over time.

Exposure to cancer-causing chemicals

Certain professions or history of chemical exposures can increase your risk of bladder cancer. Your kidneys filter out dangerous chemicals such as arsenic, cadmium, and pesticides, removing them from your body through your urine.

What are the signs of bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer may have no symptoms at all, but there are certain signs that indicate it’s time to pay Dr. Oberlin a visit. Those symptoms include:

  • Hematuria, or blood in the urine
  • Pelvic pain
  • Back pain
  • Frequent urination
  • Pain while urinating

How is bladder cancer treated?

In addition to several standard treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy, Dr. Oberlin is experienced in specialized surgical techniques for bladder cancer treatment.

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (tuRBT)

During a transurethral resection of bladder tumor, Dr. Oberlin inserts a "telescope" with a small wire loop into the bladder. This loop allows him to remove and destroy cancer cells using an electric current. This procedure is minimally invasive, no incisions with a quick recovery.

robotic partial or radical Cystectomy

During a cystectomy, Dr. Oberlin surgically removes part or all of the bladder, depending on what area of the bladder contains tumorous growth. 

robotic ileaL conduit or Neobladder reconstruction

This procedure creates a new “bladder” out of portions of your intestine, which Dr. Oberlin attaches to your urethra or to a small bag on your abdomen.

If you’re in the Greater San Francisco area including Berkeley or Oakland and are experiencing symptoms associated with bladder cancer, call Dr. Oberlin or request your consultation online to get a proper diagnosis and put your mind at ease.