Bladder and Kidney Cancer

Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the United States, excluding certain skin cancers. The American Cancer Society in 2007 has estimated there will be 67,160 new cases of bladder cancer in the United States. It is estimated there will be 13,750 deaths from bladder cancer in 2007. Kidney cancer has a slightly lower incidence, with an estimated 51,190 new cases in the United States in 2007, but it will account for a similar number of deaths, approximately 12,890 in 2007.

Bladder and kidney tumors are grouped into several types by the way they appear under a microscope. In fact, it is not unusual for patients with bladder cancer to have a similar type of cancer in the lining of the kidneys, ureter, or urethra. This is why a complete evaluation of the urinary system is recommended to evaluate these patients. Like most cancers, these are most difficult to treat once they have spread to other parts of the body.

Early determination of how far the cancer has spread is key to selecting the most appropriate treatment. Although PET scans are being used as part of research projects in bladder cancer, it is not yet certain how valuable they are in helping to manage the care of patients with bladder cancer.

Next: Diagnosis