Radiation Therapy Treatment in Pasadena, CA
At Pasadena CyberKnife Center, our mission is to provide world-class CyberKnife treatment to patients of all ages from our state-of-the-art radiation therapy clinic. As a premier cancer treatment center serving greater Los Angeles, we’re here to provide hope in the fight against cancer no matter how serious the situation. If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed with bladder cancer, we’re committed to helping you beat it – and we’ve compiled a list of common questions and answers to help you learn more about your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bladder Cancer
What is bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer refers to any cancerous growth or tumor that forms in the tissues of the bladder, a sac-like organ located in the pelvis that stores urine before urination. While bladder cancer can form in the tubes that connect the bladder to the kidneys, it most commonly forms in the inside lining of the bladder. Bladder cancer may grow inward, toward the hollow center of the bladder, or it may grow out into the other layers of the bladder wall. Tumors that grow to the center of the bladder are called noninvasive bladder cancer, while the opposite is called invasive bladder cancer.
Am I at risk for bladder cancer?
Everyone has some base level risk for developing cancer in any organ – but research has uncovered specific risk factors for many forms of cancer. Risk factors are variables that increase the likelihood of any one person developing a specific form of cancer over the course of their lifetime. The biggest risk factors for bladder cancer include:
- Smoking
- Exposure to certain carcinogens
- Age
- Chronic bladder inflammation
- Family history of bladder cancer
- Being male
What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?
As with many forms of cancer, bladder cancer may not start producing symptoms until already at an advanced stage – but there are still several things to look out for. Any of the following may be symptoms of bladder cancer:
- Pain or irritation while urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Needing to urinate frequently
- General changes in urination patterns
Unfortunately, bladder cancer symptoms are easy to mistake for a urinary tract infection – but if you notice any of these symptoms yourself, be sure to see a doctor.
What are the treatment options for bladder cancer?
Treatment options vary greatly depending on the severity of the cancer, the extent to which the cancer has spread, and a patient’s own medical history. The most common treatments for bladder cancer include:
- Surgery
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Immunotherapy
At Pasadena CyberKnife Center, we offer cutting-edge CyberKnife radiation therapy treatment. This noninvasive system uses a precision beam of high-dose radiation to destroy cancerous tumors, providing a convenient and effective treatment for many forms of cancer, including bladder cancer.
Contact Your Los Angeles, CA Cancer Treatment Center
Fighting cancer is one of life’s most difficult battles – but Pasadena CyberKnife Center is here to help. We offer comprehensive radiation therapy through CyberKnife, and we’ll work with you to make treatment fit into your schedule. Take the first step towards recovery: contact us today to schedule your CyberKnife consultation.