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Benign bladder tumors in men . .

My 47 year old son just had a biopsy for a bladder problem.  They found a ping pong ball sized growth between the layers of the bladder.
The doctor said from the appearance of the tumor, it doesn't seem to be malignant.  Although, since the results of the biopsy will be available in a few days, how can he say it looks benign?
Do benign tumors have a different appearance?  Or, do they do a quick biopsy immediately after the test is done at the hospital?
I'm confused and worried . .

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Avatar universal
Hi. Again, I am not a doctor, but when they removed my tumor, they scraped some cells from the wall surrounding it. These are then sent to pathology to determine if there is penetration in the bladder wall. The bladder wall is lined with special cells called "transitional cells", so I believe bladder cancer may also be called:Transitional Cell Carcinoma. Grade 1 usually means there has been no penetration, but again, I am not a doctor. Wait for the medical professionals to chime in.

Keep a positive outlook.
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Avatar universal
Thank you for your response to my query about my son's biopsy.  The doctor hasn't spoken to my son yet.  But, the nurse called to say he will call later today.  She did say that these were the findings that she saw in his report . . it's a Transistional Cell Carcinoma . . Grade 1-2/4.  What does this mean?  Does this mean the cancer has penetrated the bladder wall?  
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Avatar universal
Hi. I am not a doctor, but did have a superficial bladder tumor removed. My uroligist said the same thing: best type to have. This is because the tumor has not invaded the bladder wall and is merely on the surface, where it is easily removed. Ask your son what grade they assigned: 0 or 1; I assume they have done the necessary pathology to determine that.

The standard treatment from here is to do follow-up cystoscopies evry few months for a couple of years. Sadly, research shows tumors tend to recur(I had another one appear and removed a year after the first). Many urologists also advise BCG treatments, though some don't think it necessary with a really low-grade tumor.

Good luck and all the best to your son.
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Avatar universal
Hello again Vanessa . . the results of the biopsy are in, and my son definitely has a bladder cancer.  The doctor didn't say much because he was in a hurry.  He will call my son again later today, and tell him more.
But, he did say it was a superficial cancer, and if one were to have bladder cancer, this one is the best type to have.
Can you help me to understand what type of cancer this could be?  I am anxiously awaiting another phone call from my son.  Until then, I wonder if you can shed some light on this type of bladder cancer.

Blessings to you for your patience with me . .

Kristin
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello again Vanessa . .I have pictures of the biopsied area in the bladder where this growth appears.  
It seems to be embedded in the bladder wall.  I can send you the pictures if you like for you to know what I'm trying to explain.

Thanx again . .
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm trying to stay positive . . and I do reassure my son that he will be fine.  I haven't spoken to his physician.  His wife did that this morning.
My husband had bladder cancer, and he's been cancer free for several years now.  I had breast cancer in 2004.
So, cancer is not a new disease for me and my family.  But, when you find out that your son could possibly have this horrible disease, it is a totally different circumstance.
Thank you for your input . . I will keep you posted.
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Just to add.

At this point , it is best to stay positive  and continue to reassure your son. I sensed in your post that you are highly anxious. Do discuss your worries and concerns with your son's physicians.

Again,keep us posted.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,

For experienced physicians ,the gross appearance of a lesion may help suggest if the likely diagnosis is benign or not.A well defined lesion with smooth borders,not much involvement of surrounding structures, no pronounced vascularization, no signs of overt necrosis or infiltration are just a few that may point to a likely benign finding.

However, the gold standard will always be a biopsy.

Keep us posted for anything.
Helpful - 0
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