A bladder cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of questions and uncertainty. At Conrad Pearson Clinic, we’re here to make sure you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Our Bladder Cancer Center of Excellence provides expert, personalized care for patients diagnosed with bladder cancer, with a specialized focus on Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC). From your first appointment through treatment and long-term follow-up, our experienced team is committed to providing compassionate care, advanced treatment options, and the support you deserve.
Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or are seeking a second opinion, we’re here to help you feel confident in your next steps.
Understanding Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the United States, affecting both men and women. While it’s more common in men, anyone can develop bladder cancer, making early detection especially important.
One of the most common warning signs is blood in the urine (hematuria). Other symptoms can include:
- Frequent urination
- Pain or burning during urination
- A strong urge to urinate
- Pelvic discomfort
These symptoms don’t always mean bladder cancer, but they should always be evaluated by a urologist—especially if you notice blood in your urine, even if it only happens once.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase your risk of developing bladder cancer, including:
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Exposure to certain workplace chemicals
- Increasing age
- Chronic bladder inflammation
- Family history of bladder cancer
- Previous radiation or chemotherapy treatments
Not All Bladder Cancer Is the Same
Every bladder cancer diagnosis is unique, and the best treatment depends on the stage of the disease.
Approximately 70% of newly diagnosed bladder cancers are Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC). This means the cancer is found in the inner lining of the bladder and has not spread into the bladder muscle. While NMIBC is often highly treatable, it requires ongoing monitoring because it can return over time.
Muscle-invasive bladder cancer has spread deeper into the bladder wall and often requires a different treatment approach that may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of treatments.
At Conrad Pearson, our Bladder Cancer Center of Excellence specializes in helping patients with NMIBC receive the most advanced, evidence-based care available.
Why Patients Choose Conrad Pearson
When it comes to bladder cancer care, experience matters.
The Conrad Pearson Bladder Cancer Center of Excellence is led by Dr. Ravi Chauhan, a board-certified urologist and nationally recognized expert in urologic oncology. Dr. Chauhan specializes in the treatment of advanced bladder and kidney cancer and is dedicated to advancing patient care through research, innovation, and clinical trials. His goal is to help improve outcomes, reduce the risk of recurrence, and ensure patients have access to the latest, evidence-based treatment options available.
Patients choose Conrad Pearson because we offer:
- Nationally recognized expertise in Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
- Personalized treatment plans
- Access to advanced therapies
- Leadership in bladder cancer research and clinical trials
- Long-term surveillance to help reduce the risk of recurrence
- Compassionate, patient-centered care every step of the way
Access to Advanced Bladder Cancer Treatments
Bladder cancer treatment has evolved significantly, giving patients more options than ever before.
At Conrad Pearson, we offer many of today’s most advanced therapies for NMIBC, including minimally invasive procedures, intravesical therapy, immunotherapy, and innovative treatments such as Adstiladrin®, Anktiva®, and Keytruda®. Patients interested in newer treatment options can learn more about therapies such as the INLEXZO™ Implant and Zusduri™ in our guide to Advanced Treatment Options for Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.
We also continue to evaluate emerging technologies and treatment approaches that may benefit our patients.
Because every patient is different, we create individualized treatment plans focused on treating the cancer, preserving bladder function whenever possible, and reducing the risk of recurrence.
Access to Clinical Trials
As a regional leader in bladder cancer research, Conrad Pearson offers eligible patients access to clinical trials evaluating promising new therapies that may not yet be widely available.
Participating in a clinical trial isn’t right for everyone, but for some patients, it can provide access to innovative treatment options while helping advance the future of bladder cancer care.
Our team will discuss whether a clinical trial may be appropriate based on your diagnosis and treatment goals.
The Value of a Second Opinion
A bladder cancer diagnosis often comes with important treatment decisions. Seeking a second opinion can provide peace of mind and help ensure you’re aware of all your options.
A second opinion can help you:
- Better understand your diagnosis
- Confirm your treatment plan
- Learn about additional treatment options
- Explore clinical trial opportunities
- Feel more confident moving forward
Our specialists are happy to review your pathology reports, imaging, and treatment recommendations to help you make informed decisions about your care.
Expert Care Close to Home
At Conrad Pearson Clinic, we believe every patient deserves access to the latest bladder cancer treatments delivered with compassion and expertise.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, managing recurrent bladder cancer, or looking for a trusted second opinion, our Bladder Cancer Center of Excellence is here to help. With nationally recognized specialists, advanced treatment options, and a commitment to personalized care, we’re proud to serve patients throughout Memphis, the Mid-South, and beyond.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bladder cancer, schedule a consultation with the experts at Conrad Pearson Clinic and discover why so many patients trust us with their care.
