Bladder Cancer
Reviewed by Mr Neil Haldar – August 2026
Bladder cancer specialist – Mr Neil Haldar
Mr Neil Haldar is a Consultant Urological Surgeon with more than 20 years’ experience and a specialist interest in urological cancer, including bladder cancer. He provides private assessment for haematuria and bladder tumours, including cystoscopy, TURBT, surveillance and specialist advice for more advanced disease.
I am a consultant urological surgeon at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, where I served as the urology cancer lead, specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer. I have extensive experience in all aspects of bladder cancer management, and all cases are discussed as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT). I see patients from Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, West Herts and London privately at several locations.
GMC: 3683914 | BUPA Platinum Consultant | MBBS MD FRCS (Eng) FRCS (Urol)
Around 10,900 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer in the UK each year, with approximately three-quarters of cases occurring in men. The most important thing to know is this: blood in the urine must always be investigated, even if it occurs only once and clears spontaneously. Early diagnosis transforms outcomes.
Visible blood in the urine should always be taken seriously, even if it occurs only once and then disappears. Non-visible or microscopic haematuria may also require investigation, depending on factors such as age, symptoms, and clinical circumstances.
If you have noticed blood in your urine but have not yet been diagnosed, my Rapid Access Haematuria Service provides consultant-led assessment including appropriate urinary-tract investigation.
Symptoms
- Blood in the urine (haematuria) — the most important warning sign
- Increased urinary frequency or urgency without infection
- Pain or burning on urination
- Pelvic pain in more advanced disease
For a detailed explanation of symptoms, staging, TURBT, BCG, muscle-invasive disease and treatment options, read my complete guide to bladder cancer.
Risk factors
- Cigarette smoking — Smoking is the most important preventable risk factor and is estimated to cause around 45% of UK bladder cancer cases.
- Occupational exposure to aromatic amines (dye, rubber, textile industries)
- Chronic bladder irritation
- Previous pelvic radiotherapy
Diagnosis
Flexible cystoscopy
A thin flexible telescope is passed into the bladder via the urethra under local anaesthetic gel, allowing direct visualisation of the bladder lining.
CT urogram
CT imaging that assesses the entire urinary tract — kidneys, ureters and bladder — for staging and for identifying tumours elsewhere in the system.
Patients presenting with haematuria can read more about how these investigations are organised through my Rapid Access Haematuria Service.
Staging – what it means for your treatment
The most important distinction in bladder cancer is between non-muscle-invasive (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive disease (MIBC):
- Non-muscle-invasive (stages Ta, T1, CIS): Cancer confined to the bladder lining. Treated endoscopically — no open surgery required initially. Carries a high recurrence rate requiring structured surveillance.
- Muscle-invasive (T2 and above): Cancer has grown into the bladder muscle wall. Requires more aggressive treatment, usually radical cystectomy. CT staging of chest, abdomen and pelvis is performed to check for spread.
Staging determines not just which treatment is appropriate but how urgently it is needed. I discuss staging clearly with every patient at the time of diagnosis.
Treatment
TURBT
Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour — the standard initial treatment. The tumour is removed endoscopically under general or spinal anaesthesia. Many patients return home the same day.
Read more about TURBT, staging and what happens after a bladder tumour is removed.
Intravesical BCG or Intravesical Mitomycin C
BCG is an important intravesical immunotherapy for appropriately selected patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, helping to reduce the risk of recurrence and progression.
Radical cystectomy
Muscle-invasive bladder cancer usually requires multimodal treatment. Depending on the tumour, general health, kidney function and patient preferences, treatment may involve systemic therapy followed by radical cystectomy, or bladder-preserving chemoradiotherapy in appropriately selected patients.
Surveillance
Bladder cancer has a significant tendency to recur, particularly non-muscle-invasive disease, which is why scheduled cystoscopic surveillance is important. Structured cystoscopy surveillance is essential after treatment and continues for several years, detecting recurrence at the earliest, most treatable stage.
A specialist bladder cancer multidisciplinary team should plan treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Should I be worried about blood in my urine?
Yes — blood in the urine, whether visible or detected on urine testing, should always be investigated promptly, even if it occurred only once and has cleared. It is the most common symptom of bladder cancer and also the most treatable when caught early. Please do not wait to see if it happens again
How quickly should bladder cancer be treated?
Treatment timing depends on stage and grade. High-risk and muscle-invasive bladder cancer requires prompt specialist MDT assessment so that treatment can be planned without unnecessary delay.
Is bladder cancer curable?
Many bladder cancers can be treated with curative intent, particularly when disease is confined to the bladder. The outlook depends strongly on the stage, grade and biological behaviour of the tumour. Muscle-invasive disease is more serious but may still be treated with curative intent using surgery or bladder-preserving chemoradiotherapy in selected patients.
Read my detailed guide to bladder cancer stages and treatment.
Do I need a referral to see Mr Neil Haldar privately?
No — you can self-refer for a private consultation by calling 07841 048975. Some insurers may require a GP referral letter.
Useful resources
Why choose Mr Neil Haldar for bladder cancer
- Previous Urology Cancer Lead, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
- Extensive experience in TURBT, BCG therapy and radical cystectomy
- Part of a multidisciplinary team including oncologists, radiologists and specialist nurses
- Sees patients privately in several locations
- Recognised by all major private health insurers
- Available for urgent assessment and second opinions
- Excellent patient reviews
I am recognised by all major private health insurers. Please contact your insurer for an authorisation number before your consultation.
Private hospital and clinic locations
