Bladder cancer/bladder mass

When a bladder mass is detected, diagnostic exams are conducted to determine whether the mass is benign or malignant.  Exams may include a pelvic exam, abdomen/pelvis ultrasound, abdomen/pelvis CT scans, cystoscopy, and/or cytology on bladder washings and/or urine. 

Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer among men and the ninth most common among women in the United States.  Most bladder cancer patients are not at risk of developing a life-threatening cancer, as most bladder cancers are not rapid growing and are treatable without major surgery. As with all cancers, early detection is vital. 

Treatment of bladder cancer is based on the depth of the tumor - how deep the tumor has grown into the bladder.  If the tumor is confined to the lining of the bladder, it is considered to be a superficial tumor and is normally cut out of the bladder lining with a resectoscope via the urethra.  This is known as a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).  A biopsy will be done to determine the type of cancer and whether the cancer has spread to other areas of bladder lining. 

Intravesical BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Immuno-) therapy may be employed to treat bladder cancer.  BCG-laden liquid is instilled into the bladder, where it creates inflammation, fights existing tumor cells, and helps prevent recurrence of new tumor cells. 

BCG therapy is administered over a six-week period, with a booster generally given once each week. The treatment may be repeated, if necessary.  View BCG Treatment Schedule. 

If the cancer is invasive and has grown through the bladder lining, the entire tumor cannot be removed via a resectoscope. Instead, the bladder may be completely removed. This is known as a cystectomy. Radiation and/or chemotherapy may also be recommended. 

If the invasive tumor sheds cancerous cells into the bloodstream and the lymph system, the cancer may spread throughout the body.  The cancer is then known to be metastatic.  An oncologist is normally consulted regarding chemotherapy in this instance.