Definition
A tumour of the bladder lining, commonly urothelial. Muscle involvement changes management.
Symptoms
Visible, sometimes painless blood in urine; frequency or burning may also occur.
How it may be discovered
Detected through bleeding, imaging or follow-up of a previous tumour.
When to seek care
Visible blood needs investigation even if it stops. Clots causing retention require emergency care.
Investigations and tests
Urine tests, cystoscopy and appropriate imaging; cytology in selected cases.
Reaching a diagnosis
Resected tissue establishes grade and depth. Repeat resection may be needed.
Treatment options
Resection and surveillance, risk-based bladder instillations including BCG; more extensive surgery, systemic therapy or chemoradiotherapy for selected invasive disease.
Explore this topic further
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