Should I see an oncologist for bladder cancer or is urologist enough?

No

Yes, always get 2nd opinion from oncologist . I have stage 2, my urologist stated bladder removal, BUT, oncologist said no, treatment is radiation, chemo, and immunotherapy.

Thanks Gary, just waiting to heal from this 1st turbt to have a 2nd since he didn't get the muscle so we i can start to make some decisions. The waiting is miserable.

He should have taken sample with 1st turbt. Mine did.

He thought he did. Oops.

I have stage four bladder cancer and it’s muscle invasive when they went to remove the tumors, the surgeon accidentally cut a hole in the bladder total mess. They recommended to remove the bladder which I refused to do. I went through a cycle of radiation and chemo, which made the cancer spread to my abdomen. Then I went through a year of chemo and keytruda. Last month I stopped the chemo but now I’m on a 21 day cycle of keytruda. I think the cancer is in remission, but I have to wait for a new scan but when they tell you, they have to remove your bladder make sure that’s what you wanna do it not necessary. 

Sorry, I didn’t mean to write a book

I'm glass you did. He keeps telling me good chance of having the bladder removed. As soon as they figure out if it is muscle invasive than I will definitely get a second opinion!

Pamela, contact an oncologist now, don't wait on urologist make decisions for you. It's your body, you can say no surgery.

Thanks Gary! I didn't think I could until I had all the results. This is all so confusing and scary to me. I've had several melt downs. You guys are helping. Thanks.

When a bladder biopsy returns a diagnosis of muscle invasive Stage 4 Urothelial carcinoma (MIBC bladder cancer), there is usually no need to remove the bladder. A PET scan will detail metastasis in the body. If the cow has escaped the barn, torching the barn makes no sense. That was my outcome. I was treated with Keytruda plus Padcev and have been cancer-free for 18 months now. If u can, see an oncologist at a regional research hospital. My team is at UC California Davis.

I have muscle invasive that’s why the urologist cut a hole in my bladder trying to remove the tumor. And then tried to tell me I was terminal unless I removed the bladder when they tell you to remove the bladder they’re full of shit all I want is in your pocketbook. Just stay strong and do the chemo and immune therapy. You’ll be OK. All the journeys through this are hard and sometimes you just want to give up but you can never let the hard days win. Tomorrow will be better. 

Murray, my urologist states my bladder needs removed, I'm stage 2 MIBC, with reading up and searching I've determined have my oncologist treatment with radiation, chemo, immunotherapy, thus saving bladder. I'm 74yrs old and none of the urinary diversions are suitable. Plus, I feel I'm not healthy enough to go thru a 4-6 hour surgery it's my body not urologist.

Other urology opinions are needed, based on evidence. My MIBC is Stage 4. Evidence required at UC Davis is PET scan, Signatera blood analysis, and a new cystoscopy. I'm having mine this month. I'm 10 years older than u, hoping for 20 more.

Hi Pamela.. when I said no to your comment 6 or more days ago it is because, bout us not normal to not be referred to an oncologist.. so please do get a second opinion from an oncologist.. take care.,

I have been with my urologist the whole time. 1.5 yrs. Non muscle invasive but BCG did not work. Now chemo Gem/Doc monthly for a year. No cancer detected as of yet. Satisfied with my Urologist as bladder cancer/ prostate in their wheelhouse. Good luck

Good morning I hope you’re having a good day there’s a lot of bad days but you can’t let them win. I try to stay positive and active during my journey. My palliative care doctor gives me Modafinl it really helps to get my head off the pillow and moving. Just stay strong!!

I recently had TURBT procedure & found 5.1cm tumor muscle invasive bladder cancer. Abdominal/pelvic CT scan showed it. After Turbt procedure pathology report was sent to surgeon . Oncologist said any adjuvant treatments would not help &basically waste of due the fact it was in muscle lining &highly aggressive high grad stage 3 uroleathial & squamous cell carcinoma. I was in surgery 2 weeks later . Radical cystectomy/ complete hysterectomy & 20 lymph nodes removed. Now I have a urine bag for life...having it out saved my life. You have 2 conficting opinions. Get a 3rd opinion & see what they recommend but either way u definitely need to see Oncologist...they r most knowledgeable when it comes to treatment..your surgeon is not a SPECIALIST in oncology...good luck dont wait ...I'm confused why your urologist send u to oncology immediately for a consult🤔

Pamela, I contacted a oncologist on Oct 9, 2025, he immediately ordered chest CT, getting a chemo port installed on 17th, followed by MRI on 29th. This is something the urologist did not do. Start chemo Nov 2. 3 rounds of cistapatin, then break check tumor, then 3 more rounds chemo. I'm currently stage 3.

Many patients wonder about oncologist involvement, and it's completely understandable to want clarity on your care team. While urologists are often the primary specialists for bladder cancer treatment and can handle many aspects of care including BCG therapy, some patients do benefit from a multidisciplinary approach that may include oncology, especially depending on staging results. Consider asking your urologist directly about whether an oncology consultation might be helpful in your case - advocating for yourself and asking questions about your care team is always appropriate.

I just got told after they removed a golf ball size tumor from my bladder it was aggressive cancer next they want pet ct to see if any spread now im pretty scared

I had an aggressive TURBT 2 days ago to remove tumors revealed on PET scan and confirmed by cystoscopy. One was muscle invasive. Now I'm waiting for pathology and new plan. Will they want to take the bladder?