An abnormal growth that develops in the bladder is known as a bladder tumor. Some bladder tumors are benign (noncancerous), while others are malignant (cancerous). Malignant bladder tumors – also known as bladder cancer – can spread (metastasize) into other parts of the body.

Types of benign bladder tumors include:

• Fibromas: originate in the connective tissue of the bladder wall
• Hemangiomas: comprised of a mass or lump of blood vessels of the bladder wall
• Inverted papillomas: develop on the lining of the bladder and have a smooth surface
• Leiomyomas: originate in the muscle layer of the bladder wall
• Lipomas: originate in the cells in the fat layer that surrounds the bladder
• Neurofibromas: originate in the nerve tissue of the bladder
• Papillomas: originate in the urothelial cells, which make up the lining of the bladder and urinary tract

What are the symptoms of a bladder tumor?

• Back pain
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Difficulty urinating
• Increased urinary frequency and urgency
• Pain in the pelvis
• Pain while urinating

The urologists at the Desai Sethi Urology Institute are experts in treating both benign and malignant tumors of the bladder.

Treatments for bladder growths

Surgery
In most cases, your urologist will recommend that you undergo surgery to remove the bladder tumor.

Types of tests for bladder tumors

Cystoscopy

A tool called a cystoscope is inserted through the urethra (tube that transmits urine from the bladder) directly into the bladder to check for abnormalities like tumors or stones. This thin, tube-like instrument has a light and a lens for viewing. It can also have a tool to remove (biopsy) suspicious tissue samples. Pathologists review these samples with a microscope to look for signs of cancer.

Digital Rectal or Vaginal Exam

Your healthcare provider inserts a gloved finger into the rectum or vagina, which allows them to check for lumps or other abnormalities.

Laboratory Tests

A urine sample is checked for blood, chemicals, bacteria, and cells. The urine may be examined microscopically to look for cancer cells, or grown in a culture to check for infection.

Bladder Tumor Marker Studies

These tests look at cellular characteristics and substances released by bladder tumor cells into the urine.

Bladder Biopsy

Tissue samples can be taken from the bladder using a needle or during surgery if not removed with cystectomy. Pathologists review these samples with a microscope to look for signs of cancer or abnormal tissue.

Why Choose UHealth?

Leading experts in urology care. At the Desai Sethi Urology Institute, our team of recognized surgeons, researchers, technologists, and nurses has expertise in every subspecialty of urologic care, including urologic oncology and urologic reconstruction. You receive treatment from an experienced team that can give you the latest therapies.

Leaders in robotic surgery treatment. We have some of the world’s most experienced robotic surgeons for urologic procedures. In fact, doctors come from all over the world to learn at our Urology Robotic Program — the #1 ranked program in South Florida. The University of Miami Health System was the first academic medical center in the world to get the da Vinci Xi robotic surgery system and has completed more than 5,000 robotic surgeries — procedures that offer less pain and scarring and a faster recovery.

A top-ranked program for kidney and bladder cancer treatment. We offer advanced care for urologic cancers and are ranked among the top five kidney and bladder cancer programs in the country. Our urologists are dedicated to identifying cancer early so we can provide more effective treatment. We were the first — and only — medical center in South Florida to use enhanced Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview imaging technology to detect and identify bladder cancer.