Our Locations
OUR DOCTORS
We currently have 11 urologists with a variety of interests and specialties in the field of Urology. Choose a physician listed on the right to learn more about that specific physician. You can also call our office or complete the Request a Consultation form on this page to speak directly with one of our staff who can help to schedule you with a physician to meet your needs.
DR. BRIAN
BILLMEYER
Dr. Billmeyer grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. He attended the University of Iowa and graduated with highest distinction with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. He was selected for membership in the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.
DR. EDWARD “TED”
CAPOCCIA
Dr. Capoccia was born and raised in Kansas City. He attended the University of Kansas for his undergraduate education and majored in human biology. He completed his medical school training at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.
DR. TYLER
EMLEY
Dr. Emley was born in Michigan and grew up in New Hampshire. He graduated magna cum laude from Indiana University/Bloomington in 1995 with degrees in Biology and Sociology. He was selected for the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.
DR. PRIYANKA
KUMAR
Dr. Kumar grew up in Crown Point, IN and graduated from Merrillville High School before pursuing a degree in Biology, with a minor in business administration from the University of Southern Indiana.
DR. KEVIN
PARIKH
Dr. Parikh grew up in Schererville, Indiana. After graduating as valedictorian from Lake Central High School, he went on to Indiana University where he obtained a business degree from the Kelley School of Business and minors in both chemistry and biology.
DR. ADAM
PERLMUTTER
Dr Perlmutter grew up on Long Island, New York. He majored in biology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He received his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.
DR. MANOJ
RAO
Dr. Rao was born in Chicago and grew up in Olympia Fields, Illinois. He attended Saint Louis University for his undergraduate studies as both a Pre Medical and Presidential Scholar.
DR. RYAN
SWEARINGEN
Dr. Swearingen grew up in Wheaton, Illinois. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and graduated with honors, with a major in economics and a minor in chemistry. He was selected in the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.
DR. RAMESH
UNNI
Dr. Unni was born in Maywood, Illinois. He grew up in Crown Point, IN and attended St. Mary’s School and Andrean High School locally before pursuing a degree in economics at Northwestern University.
DR. TED
VELLOS
Dr. Vellos was born and raised in Orland Park, Illinois where he graduated from Carl Sandburg High school. He attended Loyola University Chicago for both undergraduate and medical schools obtaining degrees in Chemistry and Economics and earning Honors in research.
DR. BRUCE
YALOWITZ
Bladder cancer is a common form of cancer that typically begins in the cells lining the interior of the bladder called urothelial cells. These urothelial cells can also be found in the ureters and the kidneys. While cancer in these cells can also affect the kidneys, bladder cancer is much more common.
Treatment for bladder cancer is generally highly effective. That is due in large part to the fact that most bladder cancers are detected in the superficial stage meaning it is confined to the lining of the bladder. Bladder cancer is much more dangerous once it becomes invasive. Even with superficial cancers, there is a chance of recurrence of bladder cancer, with most patients requiring follow-up testing for the remainder of their lives.
Several bladder cancer signs overlap with other common urological health conditions. The most common symptoms are:
Doctors can use several methods to evaluate a patient for bladder cancer. A urine test can sometimes reveal the presence of cancer cells in the bladder. Imaging tests can reveal cancer as well. In most cases, doctors find bladder cancer when using a scope to examine the bladder in patients presenting with the above symptoms.
Most common urinary issues call for urine samples or imaging tests that help with the early detection of bladder cancer.
Treatment for bladder cancer begins with a biopsy and removal of the bladder tumor which is the initial treatment. Further treatments vary depending on the aggressiveness of the cells (grade) and the stage of the cancer. In general, treatments include monitoring, further surgery, intravesical chemotherapy (medicine instilled into the bladder), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatment modalities.
Surgery for superficial (non-invasive) bladder cancer involves removal through a scope inserted into the bladder. In some cases of aggressive non-invasive cancer, immunotherapeutic or chemotherapeutic agents instilled into the bladder are used to reduce recurrences or progression to invasive cancer. In more advanced cases, surgery may be required to remove part or all of the bladder.
When the bladder is removed, doctors must create a urinary diversion. This will typically require major reconstructive surgery. There are several types of urinary diversion and the best choice will be determined by discussion of the options between the patient and their doctor.
Chemotherapy can be used before and/or after surgery in treating bladder cancer. Radiation therapy is sometimes used in tandem with chemotherapy and reserved for patients where surgery is a poor option. Immunotherapy can be effective in treating bladder cancer with medications that help the body’s immune system combat cancer.
Bladder cancer is prone to recurrence. Even after successful treatment, patients will have to undergo regular testing for cancer recurrence. At minimum, most patients will require regular examination of the urethra and bladder with an inserted scope between every three to six months for several years, then annual examinations after that.
As with many cancers, smoking or exposure to certain chemicals can drastically increase risk. Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer, as are people over the age of 55.
There are several types of bladder cancer. Urothelial carcinoma is the most common, where the cells lining the bladder are affected. Squamous cell carcinoma is rarer and is related to chronic irritation of the bladder by chronic catheters or recurrent infections. Adenocarcinoma is another rare bladder cancer that affects the mucus-secreting glands of the bladder.
The decision to proceed with a vasectomy is a very personal one.
Read More
Our team of experts post the news daily in the news so you can stay update.
Read More
We are now offering Telehealth visits in addition to in-office visits.
Read More
© 2021 Urologic Specialists. All rights reserved.
