Conditions We Treat: Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor of the lining of the bladder. For most patients, the first symptom is blood in the urine, which may or may not be visible to the naked eye.


Bladder Cancer | Q&A

Max Kates, M.D., answers questions about bladder cancer, diagnosis and available treatment options.

Bladder Cancer: Why Choose Johns Hopkins

  • Our team is part of the Johns Hopkins Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute, a first-of-its-kind, virtual institute that explores innovative new strategies of preventing, detecting and treating bladder cancer.
  • Your surgeons, oncologists and radiologists are also renowned bladder cancer researchers who understand all the latest and upcoming treatments — and can connect patients with promising clinical trials, when appropriate.
  • Our patients have access to tumor sequencing to identify the exact tumor type and help us design the most efficient and effective treatment plans.
  • Your care is managed by a multidisciplinary team that meets weekly or daily to review your case, review test results and progress, and collaborate on next steps.


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Adults: 410-955-6100
Pediatrics: 410-955-6108

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Patient Stories

Bladder Cancer | John’s Story

Following bladder removal surgery, John shares his story about receiving diagnosis and treatment from the multidisciplinary team at Johns Hopkins.

Bladder Cancer | Warren’s Story

After receiving treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and discovering that his tumor was not responding, Dr. Warren Brill was referred to Johns Hopkins.

Treatment for Bladder Cancer

At your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the various bladder cancer treatment options, which will depend on the stage and grade of your tumor, and whether the cancer has invaded the wall of the bladder or spread to other organs.

  • Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Options may include tumor cauterization or resection, or chemotherapy or immunotherapy drugs placed directly into the bladder through a catheter.
  • Muscle invasive bladder cancer. Advanced bladder cancer often requires some combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and even immunotherapy. If bladder removal is necessary, bladder reconstruction surgery will also be required.

The Future of Bladder Cancer | Johns Hopkins Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute

Some of our experts reflect on the ways the GBCI is building on a foundation of discovery to drive the future of bladder cancer treatment.

Bladder Cancer Experts

Our cancer specialists in radiation oncology, urologic surgery, medical oncology, radiology, pathology and research work together to provide patients with expert care. These leading minds in cancer discuss each patient’s case in detail to create a custom, groundbreaking treatment plan.

Bladder Cancer Surgeons

  • Max Kates, MD

    • Division Director, Urologic Oncology

    Expertise: Urologic Oncology, Urology

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Sunil Hemant Patel, MD MA

    • Director of the Testicular Cancer Program

    Expertise: Urologic Oncology

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Nirmish Singla, MD MSC

    • Director of Translational Research in GU Oncology

    Expertise: Urologic Oncology

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville, Lutherville, MD

  • Armine K Smith, MD

    • Director, Johns Hopkins Urologic Oncology at Sibley Memorial Hospital

    Expertise: Urologic Oncology, Urology

    Primary Location: Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington, DC

Oncologists and Radiologists

  • Noah Hahn, MD

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Jeannie Hoffman-Censits, MD

    Primary Location: Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD

    Research Interests: Small cell bladder cancer, Urothelial cancers, Women’s bladder cancer

Radiation Oncologists