Bladder Cancer
Call for an AppointmentOur bladder cancer specialists use the latest medical and surgical advances to treat bladder cancer at every stage, including noninvasive, invasive and metastatic. Sophisticated techniques target treatment of your bladder tumor and minimize disruption to healthy tissue. If needed, our skilled surgeons perform complex surgeries and reconstructions to preserve function. Our oncologists and urologists regularly test new therapies and explore substances called biomarkers to better understand bladder cancer and how it responds to different treatments. Our goal is to improve your quality of life and your survival.
Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.
Tests
Finding bladder cancer early and getting an accurate diagnosis is key to your health and outcomes.
Urine Cytology
Urine is analyzed under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
Cytoscopy
A narrow tube called a cytoscope is inserted into your bladder to let your doctor look carefully into your bladder and urethra, the tube through which urine exits the body. Your doctor may take a tissue sample at this time.
Advanced Imaging
Creates images of the structures in your urinary tract. Imaging may include specialized X-ray imaging (a pyelogram that uses dye to highlight bladder features) and CT scans of your urinary tract and nearby tissue. If you have confirmed bladder cancer, cancer-staging tests may include CT, MRI, bone scans and chest X-rays.
The Best Care for Bladder Cancer
A Nationally Ranked Program
We are a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. We are also part of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers dedicated to improving care for our patients.
Expert, Personalized Care
We offer the treatments you need, from the least invasive to the most complex surgeries. We match your care to the type of bladder cancer you have, ensuring you receive the most effective treatments available.
More Options for Milder Treatments
If your cancer is within your bladder and has not spread into muscle layers, we offer more in-bladder surgical treatment options than most other cancer centers. This technique allows us to use your natural opening rather than making a surgical cut.
A Team of Specialists
Our urologic, radiation, and medical oncologists work together with ostomy and specialty nurses and psychologists to carefully monitor your cancer and your progress through treatment.
Where you receive your cancer care is important. Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why our cancer program is nationally ranked, and the highest ranked program in North Carolina, according to U.S. News & World Report for 2020–2021.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery
We are one of just a handful of U.S. centers that has an enhanced recovery program that adheres to guidelines to keep you healthier and get you back to the comfort of home sooner. This program is designed to reduce your in-hospital time and lessen the chance for complications, as well as monitor your need for pain medication and fluid levels for digestion.
Access to Clinical Trials
You may have access to clinical trials that provide advanced treatments before they become available at other centers.
Same-Day Scheduling
If you have a diagnosis of advanced bladder cancer, our doctors collaborate to offer same-day appointments for oncology, surgery, and imaging. Whenever possible, we see you within a week of you contacting us. You leave with a comprehensive treatment plan.
Support for You and Your Family
Our comprehensive cancer support services range from helping patients minimize the side effects of treatment to coping with the emotional and psychological effects of diagnosis and treatment. View all of our cancer support groups in our event calendar.