Cancers
Bladder cancer care in Johns Creek and Cumming
Blood in the urine, even once, is the reason many bladder-cancer evaluations begin. Our urologists look for a cause, explain cystoscopy and imaging, and, when a tumor is found, talk through the treatments we actually perform, including work in the Johns Creek surgery center.
When to come in
Visible blood, blood that a laboratory found without a visible change, or a cytology or imaging result that mentions the bladder should be reviewed in clinic. This is clinic work we schedule, not an automatic emergency, unless you are passing large clots, cannot empty, or feel faint. Our blood in the urine page covers that first filter.
How we evaluate the bladder
A urine test, imaging, and cystoscopy — a look into the bladder with a scope — are the tools we use most often. Cystoscopy can be done in the office or in the surgery center, depending on the reason and the type of scope. If a growth is seen, we plan a procedure to remove or biopsy it at Johns Creek and then talk about grade, stage and follow-up, including surveillance cystoscopy when it belongs in the plan.
Treatments we discuss
Removal of a bladder tumor, medicines placed in the bladder when that is part of our practice, and, for some cancers, a larger operation or a referral we will name honestly if the case needs a setting we do not provide here. We will not list treatments we do not offer. Follow-up schedules are part of the same conversation, because bladder cancer care often continues after the first procedure.
A related official video on imaging used in urologic cancers
An official Advanced Urology video on this topic.
Watch: #021 - FDG PET / CT for Kidney, Bladder and Testicular CancersWhat the video covers. Titled "#021 - FDG PET / CT for Kidney, Bladder and Testicular Cancers." The public description covers fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography, a test used to look for cancer in many parts of the body.
Does blood in the urine always point to bladder cancer?
No. Stones, infection and other causes are common. It still deserves a visit, because we need to find the cause rather than guess.
Where is cystoscopy done?
In the office or at the Johns Creek surgery center, depending on the reason. We will tell you which setting we have in mind when we book it.
Can I start this work-up in Cumming?
Yes. Clinic evaluation can begin in Cumming. Procedures that need an operating room are scheduled at Johns Creek.
Will I need repeated look-ins after a tumor is removed?
Surveillance cystoscopy is often part of follow-up. We will say how often, and why, once we have the pathology.
Who will I see?
The Johns Creek or Cumming urologists listed on our care team page, depending on the office you use.
When does this belong in emergency care?
If you cannot urinate, are passing large clots, or feel faint from bleeding, go now. We will take on the urologic follow-up afterward.
Whenever a visit would help, the Johns Creek and Cumming teams are a phone call or a booked appointment away.