12 Mar, 2024 The necessary diagnostics for bladder cancer
Bladder cancer ranks second globally in incidence among all urological oncological diseases, following prostate cancer. Early and accurate diagnosis helps take timely action and prevent adverse outcomes. The modern diagnostic methods highlighted in this review are recognized as the best, providing the opportunity to promptly detect and eliminate tumors.
The examination is performed using a rigid instrument called a cystoscope, which is inserted into the urethra. The cystoscope is equipped with an optical system that allows for a detailed examination of internal tissues: the walls of the urethra, the bladder, and the openings of the ureters. Additionally, the cystoscope can be used to take material for biopsy to analyze the condition of cells.
Transurethral Resection Biopsy (TUR biopsy)
This is the removal of a tumor through the urethra under anesthesia using a special apparatus.
The obtained materials are routinely sent for histological analysis to determine the nature of the tumor
The method helps determine the degree of cell changes as well as the stage of the disease, which could range from benign polyps to cancer
It is possible to limit the treatment to TUR, meaning the therapeutic procedure will be organ-preserving.
A radical operation is required — cystectomy, which is the removal of the bladder. In this case, the lost organ is reconstructed using a section of the intestine.
CT and MRI
Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the bladder are used for staging the disease after obtaining results from the initial biopsy. Both procedures provide three-dimensional images of the affected organ and allow clinicians to determine the localization of the tumor based on the scans. Here are the differences between the two imaging techniques:
- MRI uses a magnetic field.
- CT uses X-rays.
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