Question Title: Dad's bladder tumour

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Dear AJ,

Bladder cancers are divided in to noninvasive and invasive groups. Noninvasive cancers are “superficial”. They may look papillary or flat and do not invade the muscularis propria. Invasive tumors invade into the musculais propria. Noninvasive cancers can be resected and treated with medication instilled into the bladder. Invasive cancers may require removal of the bladder. Thus, one needs to know how much the bladder and its surrounding structures are involved with cancer. Staging can be assessed with CT.

In order to stage the cancer, i.e. determine the extent of spread, CT scanning provides information about the primary tumor and the presence of lymphatic spread or liver or adrenal metastases. However, CT does have its drawbacks. It can only detect gross spread of tumor outside the bladder, only large lymph nodes and liver metastases >2 cm. CT scans also fail to detect nodal metastases in up to 40% of patients. However, because treatment of bladder cancer is based on the stage of the disease, the CT is a good modality for preoperative staging and it would seem prudent to perform a CT prior to therapy if the index of suspicion for an invasive cancer is high. Performing the study prior to the resection of the tumor allows for more accurate staging as it is not complicated by post surgical inflammation around the bladder.

Here at Henry Ford, we have a specialist in urologic cancer, the Chairman of the Urology Department, Dr. Mani Menon. He has many years of experience and is very knowledgeable. Individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its urban campuses by calling (1 800 653 6568). We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any physicians’ notes and lab test results that you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.

This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Sincerely yours;
HFHS M.D.-JL
* Keyword: Bladder cancer/ staging

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