Cancer is a disease in which cells in an area of the body begin changing and multiplying out of control. The multiplying cells may form a lump of tissue (tumor). Within time the cancer cells will destroy healthy tissue. They may spread to other parts of the body. Why cells become cancerous is not clear, bladder cancer is strongly linked to cigarette smoking. The longer a person smokes and the more a person smokes, the greater that person’s chances of developing bladder cancer.


What are the Treatment Options for Bladder Cancer?

o       Transurethral resection (TUR): removal of a bladder tumor using a cystoscope

o       Intravesical therapy:  placement of liquid medication directly into the bladder to help destroy cancer cells or keep them from returning

o       Chemotherapy: use of intravenous (IV) medications to destroy cancer cells

o       Radiation: use of beams of energy to destroy cancer cells

o       Cystectomy: removal of the bladder