Bladder Cancer Treatment
Bladder cancer is one of the most common urological cancers in India. It affects the lining of the bladder — the organ that stores urine. Early detection and proper treatment can lead to very good outcomes. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, getting the right care for Bladder Cancer Treatment in Pune matters a great deal.
Dr. Chirag Bhirud is a leading Surgical Oncologist in Pune with over 15+ years of experience. He specialises in Breast, Head & Neck, Thoracic, Gastrointestinal, and Gynecologic cancers, with advanced expertise in robotic and laparoscopic cancer surgery. Awarded the Best Oral Paper at ISO 2019 for his work on 3D VATS esophagectomy and the Best Poster at ISO-ISMPO 2019 for his research on oral tongue cancer, he brings nationally recognised excellence to every case. He practises at Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune, and is available 24 hours a day for consultations and emergencies.
Types of Bladder Cancer:
There are three main types of bladder cancer you should know about:
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) – Around 90% of cases fall into this category. It starts in the urothelial cells lining the bladder.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma – This type makes up about 5% of cases and is linked to long-term bladder irritation, like from infections or urinary catheters.
- Adenocarcinoma – Although rare (about 1% of cases), it forms in glands that produce mucus in the bladder.
Knowing the type of bladder cancer someone has is important because it guides treatment decisions.
What are the Causes of Bladder Cancer?
Understanding bladder cancer causes can help with prevention. The most common causes are:
- Smoking — the leading cause; smokers are 3 times more likely to develop bladder cancer
- Long-term exposure to industrial chemicals like aromatic amines
- Chronic bladder inflammation or repeated urinary tract infections
- Previous radiation therapy to the pelvic area
- Use of certain chemotherapy drugs such as cyclophosphamide
- Drinking water contaminated with arsenic
Avoiding tobacco is the single most effective way to reduce your risk of bladder cancer.
Bladder Cancer Symptoms and Signs
Recognising the early signs of bladder cancer can save lives. Common symptoms include:
- Blood in urine (haematuria) — often the first and most common sign
- Frequent or painful urination
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Lower back pain on one side
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Feeling the urge to urinate but being unable to pass urine
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a Cancer Doctor in Pune as soon as possible. Do not ignore blood in urine, even if it appears only once.
When to See a Specialist?
If you see blood in your urine or if any of the symptoms above stick around, you should visit a Bladder Cancer Clinic in Pune as soon as possible. Specialists like urologists can figure out whether it’s bladder cancer or something else. The earlier cancer is caught, the better the chances of successful treatment.
Who Is at Risk for Bladder Cancer?
Some people are at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer. Risk factors include:
- Age above 55 years — risk increases with age
- Male gender — men are four times more likely to develop it than women
- Smoking history — current or past smokers
- Family history of bladder cancer
- Exposure to workplace chemicals in industries like rubber, leather, paint, and print
- Previous history of bladder problems or urinary tract infections
If you fall into any of these categories, regular screening with a Cancer Specialist in Pune is advisable.
How We Diagnose Bladder Cancer?
Advanced Diagnostic Techniques:
A timely and accurate diagnosis is key to successful bladder cancer treatment. Diagnostic methods include:
- Urine tests — urinalysis and urine cytology to check for cancer cells
- Cystoscopy — a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder to view the lining
- Biopsy — tissue sample taken during cystoscopy for lab testing
- CT Urogram — imaging to assess the urinary tract
- MRI or PET scan — used to check if cancer has spread
Dr. Chirag Bhirud uses the latest diagnostic tools at Jupiter Hospital, Baner, to ensure accurate bladder cancer.
Staging and Grading the Cancer:
Once cancer is confirmed, doctors determine its stage and grade.
- Staging tells us how much the cancer has grown. Is it just on the surface of the bladder? Or has it spread to nearby tissues or organs? Stages range from 0 (very early) to IV (advanced, metastatic cancer).
- Grading looks at how abnormal the cancer cells are. High-grade cancers tend to grow faster and might be harder to treat, while low-grade ones grow more slowly.
This information helps Dr. Chirag Bhirud decide on the best treatment plan.
Comprehensive Treatment Options We Offer:
Personalised Bladder Cancer Treatment Plans:
Treatment depends on the stage and grade of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and other individual factors. As a Cancer Surgeon in Pune and expert in Urologic Oncology Treatment, Dr. Chirag Bhirud offers the following options:
- Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT): This is the first line of bladder cancer treatment for non-muscle invasive cancers. The tumour is removed through the urethra without any external cuts.
- Intravesical Therapy: Medication is placed directly into the bladder. BCG therapy and intravesical chemotherapy are used to kill remaining cancer cells and prevent recurrence.
- Radical Cystectomy: For muscle-invasive cancers, removal of the entire bladder may be required. Dr. Chirag Bhirud, a skilled Robotic Cancer Surgeon in Pune, performs minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic cystectomy, which means less blood loss, smaller scars, and faster recovery.
- Chemotherapy and Radiation: Systemic chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after surgery (adjuvant) to improve outcomes and reduce recurrence risk.
- Immunotherapy: For advanced or recurrent bladder cancer, immunotherapy drugs help the body’s immune system fight cancer cells more effectively.
- Minimally Invasive and Targeted Therapies: For those looking to avoid invasive procedures, newer treatments might be an option. Robotic-assisted surgery allows for precise operations with smaller incisions.
Targeted therapies attack the cancer cells specifically, causing less harm to healthy tissue.
These advanced treatments are focused on improving recovery time and reducing side effects.
Diet and Lifestyle Tips After Bladder Cancer Surgery
Recovery after bladder cancer treatment requires attention to diet and daily habits. Here are some useful tips:
- Drink plenty of water — at least 8 to 10 glasses per day to flush the urinary system
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Avoid red and processed meats, alcohol, and excess salt
- Quit smoking immediately — it is the most important lifestyle change
- Exercise regularly with light to moderate activity as recommended by your doctor
- Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor for recurrence
- Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or counselling
Dr. Chirag Bhirud and his team provide detailed post-surgery guidance to every patient for a smooth and safe recovery.
How Much Does Bladder Cancer Treatment Cost in Pune?
The cost of bladder cancer treatment in Pune varies based on several factors, including the stage of cancer, the type of surgery required, the number of chemotherapy or radiation sessions, and the hospital facilities.
Generally, the cost of TURBT is lower and that of radical cystectomy with robotic surgery is higher. However, robotic surgery often reduces overall costs by shortening hospital stays and speeding up recovery.
At Jupiter Hospital, Baner, patients receive world-class cancer treatment with transparent pricing. Dr. Chirag Bhirud’s team can provide a detailed cost estimate after the initial consultation.
Why Choose Dr. Chirag Bhirud for Bladder Cancer Treatment?
Dr. Chirag Bhirud is among the most experienced and trusted Cancer Specialists in PCMC. Here is why patients choose him:
- 15+ years of experience in surgical oncology and Urologic Oncology Treatment
- 10,000+ patients treated with a 95% success rate
- Expert in robotic and laparoscopic cancer surgery for minimal scarring and faster recovery
- Specialisation in bladder, breast, head & neck, thoracic, gastrointestinal, and gynaecologic cancers
- Multiple national awards including Best Oral Paper at ISO 2019
- Published oncosurgical research in indexed national journals
- Compassionate, patient-focused care — patients and families are guided at every step
Whether you need expert advice on survival rate, second opinion on your diagnosis, or access to the latest cancer treatment options, Dr. Chirag Bhirud is the right specialist for you.
Book your appointment today:
- Address: 1st Floor, OPD 4, Jupiter Hospital, Baner – Balewadi Rd, near Prathamesh Park, Pune, Maharashtra 411069
- Phone: 070283 73574
- Email: bhirudcancercare@gmail.com
Patient-Centred Support and Recovery Plans:
We don’t just treat cancer; we treat the whole person. We know this can be a scary time, so we’re here to support you both physically and emotionally.
Whether it’s counselling, support groups, or customised rehab plans after surgery, we’re by your side at every step.
Book your consultation today and let us help you fight bladder cancer with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
Yes. When detected early, bladder cancer has a high bladder cancer recovery rate. Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer is highly treatable. Even advanced cases benefit from modern treatment options.
Blood in urine (haematuria) is the most common early symptom. It can appear without pain. Always consult a doctor if you notice blood in your urine.
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery. TURBT recovery usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. Robotic cystectomy recovery may take 3 to 6 weeks. Dr. Chirag Bhirud’s minimally invasive approach helps patients recover faster.
Yes. Robotic cancer surgery offers greater precision, less blood loss, smaller incisions, lower infection risk, and faster return to daily activities compared to open surgery.
You can call 070283 73574, email bhirudcancercare@gmail.com, or visit https://drchiragbhirud.com/ to book an appointment. Jupiter Hospital, Baner is open 24 hours.