Bladder Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment in Birmingham
Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and the tenth most common in women in the UK, with around 10,000 new cases diagnosed each year. When detected early, the majority of bladder cancers are highly treatable. Mr Syed Ali Shahzad, Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon, provides expert bladder cancer diagnosis, staging and treatment at private hospitals across Birmingham.
Types of Bladder Cancer
Over 90% of bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas (urothelial carcinomas) arising from the cells lining the bladder. They are classified as:
- Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC): The tumour is confined to the inner lining of the bladder. This accounts for around 75% of cases and is treated by TURBT with or without intravesical therapy (BCG or mitomycin C instilled directly into the bladder).
- Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC): The tumour has grown into the bladder muscle, requiring more aggressive treatment, typically radical cystectomy (surgical removal of the bladder) or radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy.
Risk Factors
- Smoking (the single most important risk factor)
- Occupational exposure to certain chemicals (aniline dyes, rubber, textiles)
- Increasing age
- Previous bladder cancer
- Chronic bladder irritation or recurrent infections
Symptoms
The most common symptom is painless blood in the urine (haematuria). Other symptoms include urinary frequency, urgency and, occasionally, pain on urination. Any unexplained blood in the urine should be investigated promptly.
Diagnosis and Staging
Investigation includes urine tests (including cytology), flexible cystoscopy to directly visualise the bladder, CT urogram and, when a tumour is found, surgical staging with TURBT under general anaesthetic.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cancer stage and grade. Mr Shahzad’s bladder cancer services include TURBT, intravesical bladder instillation therapy (BCG and chemotherapy), radical cystectomy and coordination of oncological treatments through the multidisciplinary team. He chairs cancer MDT meetings at Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust and is a Principal Investigator in national bladder cancer research trials.
Book a Bladder Cancer Consultation in Birmingham
Any unexplained blood in the urine requires urgent assessment. No GP referral is required. Mr Shahzad is recognised by BUPA, AXA, AVIVA, Vitality, Cigna and WPA. Book an appointment or contact us today.