Affordable, Minimally Invasive Bladder Cancer Treatment
When you need capable, affordable, and quality bladder cancer treatment, our practice is here for you.* A cancer diagnosis can be an emotional journey, and finding the right treatment at a price you can afford can be overwhelming. Dr. Luis Herrera is a board-certified physician who offers comprehensive bladder cancer care, including reconstructive surgery. Medical tourism offers several benefits to patients who choose to travel to our Tijuana, Mexico, facility.
Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
If you have recently been diagnosed with bladder cancer, you are not alone. Bladder cancer affects thousands of Americans each year, and it is the fourth most common cancer in men.
Early Stages
The most common symptom for both men and women is blood in the urine. Other signs and symptoms of the early stages of bladder cancer include:
- Frequent urination (more than is normal)
- Having trouble urinating
- Discomfort or burning sensation while urinating
Advanced Stages
If bladder cancer has progressed, additional symptoms can be present, including:
- The inability to urinate
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen feet
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Many of these symptoms can be indicative of other medical issues or conditions, such as urinary tract infections, overactive bladder, or an enlarged prostate (for men). However, if you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, it is important to understand the progression of the condition, and how that can affect your treatment options.
Understanding Stages of the Disease
Using information on the size of the cancerous tumor, and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other organs, Dr. Herrera can determine your cancer’s stage. These stages help to determine which treatment will be most effective based on the reach and size of the tumor. Dr. Herrera can use your existing health history, as well as his own examinations to evaluate your condition.
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Stage 0: The cancer is only present in the interior bladder. It has not spread into the bladder wall or nearby lymph nodes or organs.
Stage I: The cancer has grown into the bladder lining, but not the muscles of the bladder wall. It remains contained within the bladder organ.
Stage II: The cancer has spread into the bladder lining and the muscle layer of the exterior bladder.
Stage III: The cancer has grown outside of the bladder, into the layer of fatty tissues around the bladder. Stage III can also mean cancer has reached the prostate, uterus, or vagina, but has not yet reached the lymph nodes or other organs.
Stage IV: The cancer has potentially:
- Spread into the pelvic or abdominal area, but has not reached the lymph nodes or other organs.
- Spread to nearby lymph nodes, but has not reached other organs.
- Reached the lymph nodes and other areas of the body such as bones, lungs, or the liver.
Treatment Options
Dr. Herrera will create a custom treatment plan for you based on your unique situation and the progression of the cancer. He utilizes laparoscopic techniques to perform minimally invasive procedures. This allows for shorter recovery times, smaller and more discreet incisions, and reduced trauma to your bladder and surrounding tissues.* Dr. Herrera might recommend:
- TURBT: Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor, the most common surgical treatment, is used to precisely remove cancerous tissue from the inner layers of the organ.
- Cystectomy: Cystectomy can be partial or radical, meaning the entire bladder is removed, along with surrounding lymph nodes.
For patients who undergo the surgical removal of cancerous tumors, Dr. Herrera also performs reconstructive surgery to restore the function of your bladder. Some patients might also benefit from chemotherapy or radiation to ensure the best results.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have recently been diagnosed with bladder cancer and are looking for high-quality care at a more affordable price, call (619) 392-8516 or reach out to our Tijuana practice online. A consultation with Dr. Herrera will help you understand your treatment options.
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