Bladder Cancer

Overview

Although anyone can develop urinary bladder cancer, it occurs more often in whites and males and becomes more common as people age. It is most successfully treated when detected early and limited to the urinary bladder's inner lining. However, depending on the stage of the tumor, bladder cancer may be likely to recur, requiring frequent follow-up. Most urinary tumors start in the lining of the urinary bladder, but some can occur in the upper part of the urinary system.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Expertise. Mayo Clinic is a leader in bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment, including urological research, surgical procedures and other treatments. If invasive cancer requires bladder removal (radical cystectomy), a surgical procedure to construct a new bladder (neobladder) inside the pelvis is an option for many people.
• Experience. Mayo Clinic has one of the largest practices of surgery for bladder cancer in the world. Mayo maintains a vast, state-of-the-art database of surgically treated bladder cancers that allows doctors to learn from and build on their extensive experience.
• Newest technology. Mayo Clinic makes extensive use of the newest technology to improve chances for positive outcomes. Some people may benefit from robotic surgery, an alternative to both conventional open surgery and traditional laparoscopy.
• Comprehensive cancer center. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, which recognizes scientific excellence and a multidisciplinary approach to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

Read more about bladder cancer.