Bladder cancer is a disease caused by bladder cells growing abnormally, most typically in the bladder lining. It develops when the cells that make up the urinary bladder grow out of control and can lead to the formation of a tumour.
Bladder cancers are often described based on how far they have spread into the wall of the bladder. Non-invasive cancers are only in the inner layer of bladder cells and have not grown into the deeper layers. Invasive cancers have grown into deeper layers of the bladder wall and are harder to treat.
Bladder cancer is a serious condition, but can often be treated with minimally invasive treatments such as transurethral resection (TURBT) and intravesical therapy if detected early enough.
At URODOC, a flexible cystoscopy can be performed on site to rapidly diagnose bladder cancer. A biopsy taken during cystoscopy is required to better characterise the tumour. Our team is also highly experienced in a range of bladder cancer treatment and management options.
Interstitial cystitis, also known as bladder pain syndrome, is a chronic bladder condition. It causes pelvic pain, bladder symptoms and urinary symptoms, including urinary frequency, urgency, and waking at night to pass urine.
Interstitial cystitis more commonly affects women and can have a long-lasting impact on your quality of life. The exact cause of interstitial cystitis is not known, but it is likely that many factors contribute to the condition, such as inflammation. Cystoscopy is an important diagnostic tool that allows inflammation in the bladder wall to be visualised.
At URODOC, we offer flexible cystoscopy in our on site procedure room to aid in diagnosis and management of interstitial cystitis. This condition often requires a combination of treatments to settle its symptoms, and our team is experienced in the multidisciplinary treatment of interstitial cystitis.
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a combination of urinary symptoms, most commonly increased urinary frequency and urgency. The sudden, uncontrolled urge to urinate can also cause urine leakage. Another symptom of OAB is the need to get up and urinate at night. Overactive bladder can cause considerable stress and have a significant impact on your quality of life.
There are many causes of OAB, including weak muscles, nerve damage, hormonal changes, medication, alcohol, caffeine and infection. As you age, you are also at an increased risk of developing OAB.
At URODOC, our team is experienced in the management of overactive bladder. We offer a range of treatment options, including medication and bladder botox, and will work with you to best manage your symptoms.