Bladder Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment in London
Expert, personalised care led by Dr Elsie Mensah — Consultant Urological Surgeon specialising in bladder cancer management.
Expert Consultant Urology Surgeon
Dr Elsie Mensah is a highly respected and experienced clinician in bladder cancer diagnostics, treatment, and surveillance. She is skilled in utilising advanced techniques such as blue-light cystoscopy, en-bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumours (TURBT), and transurethral laser ablation of bladder tumours (TULA) — innovative methods that enhance tumour detection, improve surgical precision, and support faster recovery.
As an academic and educator, Dr Mensah frequently speaks at national and international symposia — including the Bladder Cancer Academy at the Royal Society of Medicine and British Association of Urological Surgeons meetings— where she presents on best practice in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) management, intravesical therapy optimisation, and pathway refinement in the NHS. She also serves as faculty for specialist training workshops across the UK, mentoring urology trainees in bladder cancer diagnostics and endoscopic techniques.
What is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lining of the bladder. It can range from early-stage (non-muscle-invasive) disease to more aggressive forms that involve the bladder wall or surrounding structures.
Main types include:
- Transitional cell carcinoma (urothelial carcinoma) – most common in the UK
- Squamous cell carcinoma – associated with chronic irritation or infection
- Adenocarcinoma – a rarer form developing from glandular cells
Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms
- Blood in the urine (haematuria) — often the first noticeable sign
- Urgency or frequency of urination
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) that persist despite treatment
- Pelvic or lower-back discomfort in more advanced cases
Causes
Bladder cancer is most strongly associated with smoking, as carcinogenic chemicals pass through the urinary system and irritate the bladder lining. Occupational exposure to industrial chemicals, chronic bladder inflammation, and genetic factors may also contribute.
Who is most affected?
Men are three to four times more likely to develop bladder cancer than women, largely due to higher historical rates of smoking and workplace exposure to industrial chemicals.
Symptoms
- Blood in the urine (haematuria) — often the first noticeable sign
- Urgency or frequency of urination
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) that persist despite treatment
- Pelvic or lower-back discomfort in more advanced cases
Causes
Bladder cancer is most strongly associated with smoking, as carcinogenic chemicals pass through the urinary system and irritate the bladder lining. Occupational exposure to industrial chemicals, chronic bladder inflammation, and genetic factors may also contribute.
Who is most affected?
Men are three to four times more likely to develop bladder cancer than women, largely due to higher historical rates of smoking and workplace exposure to industrial chemicals.
Bladder Cancer Diagnostics
Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for optimal outcomes.
Elsie Mensah provides a structured, evidence-based diagnostic pathway which includes
Consultation & clinical assessment, Urine Testing & Imaging
Thorough history, Urine cytology/ biomarkers, culture, and ultrasound or CT imaging to identify abnormalities.
Cystoscopy (including Blue-Light Cystoscopy as required)
A detailed inspection of the bladder using advanced optical imaging to detect even small or flat tumours.
Biopsy or Surgical Resection (TURBT / TULA)
Tissue is obtained, or tumours are removed using minimally invasive techniques for precise diagnosis and staging.
Treatment options
Elsie Mensah offers an extensive range of individualised treatment options, guided by tumour type, stage, and patient preference:
- Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT) and use of single instillation intravesical mitomycin C – gold-standard first-line treatment for most non-muscle-invasive cases.
- Blue-Light TURBT & En-Bloc Resection – improves visualisation and complete tumour removal.
- Transurethral Laser Ablation (TULA) – outpatient laser treatment for small or recurrent low grade tumours.
- Intravesical Therapy (BCG / Chemotherapy Instillation) – to reduce recurrence and progression.
- Ongoing Surveillance & Cystoscopic Follow-Up – ensuring long-term disease control and patient reassurance.
Booklets and Resources
Patients are encouraged to explore a curated selection of trusted educational materials:
Why Choose Dr Elsie Mensah?
- Consultant Urological Surgeon at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
- Sub-specialist expertise in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Skilled in blue-light cystoscopy, TULA, and en-bloc TURBT
- Principal Investigator for bladder cancer research
- Speaker and faculty at major national and international conferences as well as an avid educator and trainer.
- Urology Chair of the South East London Cancer Alliance (SELCA)
FAQs
Not always, but it should never be ignored. A simple urine test or cystoscopy can rule out or confirm serious causes.
It’s an enhanced imaging technique that helps to identify small or flat tumours that may be missed with standard cystoscopy.
Yes — which is why careful follow-up and cystoscopic surveillance are essential to detect and treat recurrence early.
Many procedures, including laser ablation (TULA) and surveillance cystoscopy, can be performed as day-case treatments.
You can contact Dr Mensah’s private practice directly through the [Contact Page] to arrange an initial consultation.
Contact Us
Elsie Mensah’s secretary:
Ms Tamara Cenadi
Address:
- HCA UK at The Shard, St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9BS
- 1 Welbeck Street, Marylebone, London, W1G 0AR