The most important warning sign of a bladder tumor is usually painless but alarming: blood in the urine. If your urine takes on a reddish or brown discoloration, you should always have this evaluated urologically without delay. The good news is: when bladder cancer is detected early, the chances of cure are very good, and the bladder can almost always be preserved.
At the Clinic for Urological Oncology in Düsseldorf, we guide you from rapid, gentle diagnostics through to the most modern robot-assisted surgical techniques. In doing so, it is important to us that you understand every step and feel secure and well cared for during this emotionally demanding time.
Women and Bladder Cancer: An Often Underestimated Risk
Although bladder cancer is often regarded as a typical “men’s disease,” many women develop it as well. Unfortunately, blood in the urine in women is often wrongly dismissed too quickly as a simple bladder infection (cystitis). As a result, valuable time is lost. In our clinic, we place great importance on taking female patients with urological symptoms seriously as well and on diagnosing them precisely. Our practice offers a competent, trusting atmosphere geared specifically to your needs. You are in the best of hands with us.
How Is Bladder Cancer Treated?
Treatment depends decisively on how deeply the tumor has grown into the bladder wall.
1. Non-Invasive Bladder Cancer (Bladder Preservation)
If the tumor is confined to the mucosa, we perform what is known as a TUR-B (transurethral resection of the bladder). In this procedure, we remove the tumor tissue gently and endoscopically through the urethra. No external incisions are necessary. The use of a specific light for better detection (photodynamic diagnosis = PDD) is a matter of course as standard. To avoid recurrences, the bladder is then usually rinsed with a special medication (mitomycin, chemoprophylaxis of recurrence).
2. Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (Bladder Removal / Cystectomy)
If the tumor has already advanced into the muscle layer of the bladder, superficial removal is no longer sufficient. To cure the cancer reliably, part or all of the urinary bladder must be removed.
Second Opinion on a Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer
Have you been advised to undergo bladder removal and would like the reassurance of an experienced specialist? We know that a diagnosis like this permits no delay. For second opinions on tumor conditions, we always offer short-notice appointments. Please bring your medical reports, histology (pathology findings), and cross-sectional imaging (CT/MRI) with you.