When cells in the bladder grow and change rapidly and uncontrollably they form a mass called a tumor. The tumor can be harmless (benign) or some tumors prove to be cancerous. Cancerous tumors have the ability to spread and cause significant health issues if left untreated.
Choosing a Bladder Cancer Specialist in Florida
Symptoms of bladder cancer, like blood in the urine, frequent urination and having a weak urine stream, can be indicative of cancer or other conditions, so it’s important to bring them to your physician’s attention. Receiving a proper diagnosis or a second opinion on what treatment options to pursue is important, but how do you select a specialist with whom to consult?
Experience
If you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer you may want to have a few questions ready to determine if this bladder cancer specialist is right for you.
- How often do they treat bladder cancer?
- What treatment do you recommend and why?
- If surgery is needed, how often is that surgery performed?
- What type of side effects should I expect, and how can you help me manage them?
Treatments Available
Treatment for bladder cancer can vary from patient to patient depending on the size and stage of cancer. Typical treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, intravesical therapy or surgery. Learn what treatments are available at the hospital you’re considering and don’t forget to find out if they have access to clinical trials.
Supportive Resources
If you are traveling across Florida to receive your bladder cancer treatment ask about what resources are available to you and your family. Are virtual visits a possibility for some appointments? Are resources available to help your loved ones support you?
Why Turn To Moffitt?
Florida residents who are looking for a bladder cancer center are encouraged to come to Moffitt Cancer Center. We offer some distinct advantages including from experience and expertise to a patient and family-center approach to cancer care.
Expertise
As a high-volume cancer center, the genitourinary experts at Moffitt have an unmatched level of skill and experience when it comes to treating bladder cancer. Your healthcare team will be made up of a multidisciplinary team of bladder cancer experts including:
- Medical Oncologists
- Radiation Oncologist
- Surgeons
- Urologic Oncologists
Each of these experts will collaborate to come up with an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific type of bladder cancer.
Robust Clinical Trials Program
In addition to the standard of care treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, intravesical therapy and surgery, patients who travel to seek treatment at Moffitt also benefit from our clinical trials. This dedication to advancing cancer research to improve outcomes for our patients has earned us the designation of Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute - the only one based in Florida.
Patient and Family-Centered Care
With multiple locations across Tampa Bay Moffitt offers a full range of support services to our patients and their families whether they are physical, spiritual or emotional. Our clinical and supportive care teams view our patients and their families as partners ensuring they take an active role in their own care.
To learn more about treatment options for bladder cancer, call 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online. We will provide access to a cancer expert within one day.
