Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “CYSTOSCOPY”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 631 records · Page 35Linked to original sources

Is bladder biopsy necessary at three or six months post BCG therapy?

The standard of practice set by the SWOG investigation of BCG therapy for superficial bladder cancer has been to evaluate response at 3 months with cystoscopy and bladder biopsy. This study is to determine if all patients require a biopsy post therapy at 3 or 6 months. We reviewed the charts of 43 patients who had received a 6-weekly course of BCG (Connaught strain) for high grade or recurrent Ta, T1, or Tis transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. The patients with Ta recurrent, T1 or Tis disease received maintenance therapy. All patients were followed through 6 months. At 3 months, 32/43 patients had negative cystoscopies. All 32 patients had corresponding negative biopsies. Eight patients had visible papillary tumors, while three patients had erythematous lesions, which were biopsy negative. At 6 months, eight different patients had visible lesions on cystoscopy that were biopsy proven superficial bladder cancer. The positive predictive value at 3 and 6 months post BCG therapy was 72.6% and 100%, respectively. The false positive rate was 7% at the 3-month checkpoint. Bladder biopsy is not necessary at the 3 or 6 month period following BCG therapy in the face of negative cystoscopic findings.

Administration, Intravesical↗

ImmunoCyt/uCyt+ improves the sensitivity of urine cytology in patients followed for urothelial carcinoma.

ImmunoCyt/uCyt is a fluorescent test combining three monoclonal antibodies. In this study, it has been tested as a complement to cytology in the detection of urothelial carcinoma in urine. It has been performed simultaneously with standard cytology and cystoscopy on 870 urine analyses from one hospital. In 136 cases, one or more bladder tumors were found. Overall sensitivity of cytology, ImmunoCyt/uCyt and combined analyses reached 29, 74 and 84%, respectively, and overall specificity was 98, 62 and 61%. The negative predictive value of cytology, ImmunoCyt/uCyt and both analyses was 88, 93 and 95%, respectively, and the positive predictive value was 70, 26 and 29%. The sensitivity of cytology for low malignant potential neoplasms, low- and high-grade papillary carcinomas was 6, 18 and 53%, while it reached 71, 79 and 93% when combined with ImmunoCyt/uCyt. The sensitivity of cytology for stages Ta, T1, T2 and over and Tis tumors was 12, 67, 47 and 50%, while it reached 78, 83, 79 and 100% when combined with ImmunoCyt/uCyt. In the absence of tumor on cystoscopy but with positive ImmunoCyt/uCyt, 18% of patients developed a tumor, 2-6 months later. Of the 109 cases diagnosed as suspicious for malignancy by cytology, a tumor was present in 30 cases and ImmunoCyt/uCyt was positive in 22 (73%) of them. In conclusion, ImmunoCyt/uCyt may be used to postpone cystoscopies in patients followed for bladder cancer and may help to save cytologist and pathologist screening time.

Adult↗

Value of selective upper tract cytology for recognition of upper tract tumors after treatment of superficial bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: The value of selective upper urinary tract (UT) cytology in patients who are asymptomatic and tumor free at control cystoscopy after being treated for superficial bladder carcinoma has not been studied. The present study was performed to evaluate the value of selective UT cytology in patients who are tumor free at control cystoscopy after being treated for superficial bladder cancer. METHODS: Forty-seven consecutive patients who had undergone definitive surgical treatment for superficial bladder cancer at least 24 months prior and were tumor free at control cystoscopy were evaluated with bladder wash for cytology as well as selective UT urine cytology by catheterization of both ureteral orifices. Of the 47 patients, disease was stage Ta in 30 (63.8%), T1 in 15 (31.9%) and Ta/Tcis in 2 (4.3%). Primary tumor was unifocal in 24 (51.1%) and multifocal in 23 (48.9%) patients. The time elapsed from the initial diagnosis to the last evaluation ranged from 2 to 21 years (mean 5.39). RESULTS: UT cytology was positive in 2 cases. Although, excretory urography (IVP) revealed mild pelvicalicectasis in 1 of these 2 patients, ureterorenoscopy (URS) revealed no abnormality. In the other patient with normal IVP and retrograde pyelography (RGP), URS revealed a ureteral tumor 5 mm in diameter. Although the UT cytology was normal in the remaining 45 patients, IVP revealed right hydronephrosis in 1 patient and URS revealed multiple ureteral tumors. CONCLUSION: Given the normal appearance of the UT, it is highly unlikely that these patients have tumor in the UT. Thus, during the follow-up of patients with superficial bladder cancer, it is not useful to perform UT select cytology in the absence of any identifiable filling defects in the upper urinary tract.

Adult↗

Undiagnosed macroscopic haematuria revisited: a follow-up of 146 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To further investigate a group of patients with macroscopic haematuria who had no abnormalities on upper tract imaging and cystoscopy, to determine the appropriate follow up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The hospital notes of patients who presented with frank haematuria between 1990 and 1998 and had no abnormality on cystoscopy and/or upper tract imaging were reviewed, with particular note made of any further bleeding or any other further urological problems. Those with < 2 years of follow-up in the hospital notes were investigated by telephone or via their general practitioner to ensure that all patients had at least 2 years of follow-up after the initial investigation. RESULTS: Of the 146 patients in the study, 98 were alive and had no more bleeding after the initial investigation. None of them were found to have renal or urothelial tumours during the follow-up. Thirty-three patients had recurrent episodes of bleeding after the initial investigation; 26 of these had repeat investigations and one was found to have a renal pelvic transitional cell carcinoma on repeat intravenous urography. One patient in this subgroup had died from a subarachnoid haemorrhage; 15 other patients had died, 13 of non-urological causes and two of unknown causes. CONCLUSIONS: Of 146 patients with undiagnosed macroscopic haematuria, only one had a missed tumour and this was detected on further investigation for recurrent bleeding. These results confirm that repeat cystoscopy and upper tract imaging is only warranted in patients who have recurrent bleeding after initial investigation.

Cystoscopy↗

The cost of bladder tumour treatment and follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the costs of bladder tumour treatment and follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The incidence of bladder tumours, both new and recurrences, and the cost of bladder tumour treatments with curative intent were registered during a 4-year period (1994-97). RESULTS: The incidence of new tumours varied from year to year, in contrast to the number of recurrent tumours, which remained remarkably stable. The total cost of bladder cancer diagnosis, treatment and follow-up was almost 7,000,000 SEK per year (2,800,000 SEK per 100,000 inhabitants per year). The number of therapeutic events per year remained stable at 256 +/- 17 (102 per 100,000 inhabitants per year). Cystectomies were responsible for 34% of the expenditure and transurethral procedures for 40%. Follow-up cystoscopies accounted for only 13% of the total cost. One-third of the routine follow-up cystoscopies resulted in a therapeutic procedure. The cost of transurethral resections and extirpations was approximately five times higher when performed with the patient hospitalized compared to when performed as day-care surgery. CONCLUSIONS: A reduction in the number of follow-up cystoscopies will only produce marginal economic savings. Further savings could be made if more transurethral resections and extirpations/fulgurations were performed on an outpatient basis. Another important goal is to reduce the median cost per cystectomy.

Aged↗

Accuracy of bladder stone detection using abdominal x-ray after spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: Bladder calculi are a common problem in those with spinal cord injury (SCI). Detection is important to prevent complications. OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of bladder stone detection by abdominal x-rays. METHODS: X-ray reports from individuals with SCI with known bladder stones detected by cystoscopy were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: X-ray reports noted the presence or absence of bladder stones. The stone variables evaluated were stone composition (crystallographic analysis), widest dimension of the largest stone (during cystoscopy), and the total volume (cm3) of the stone mass removed. RESULTS: Sixty-two consecutive x-ray reports from individuals with bladder stones were reviewed. The majority of stones were calcium phosphate (46.8%) or struvite (26.7%). Regarding stone composition, the detection by x-ray was 28.6% for struvite stones and 41.9% for calcium phosphate stones. Regarding diameter of largest stone, the detection by x-ray was 14% for stones < 0.5 cm, 0% for stones 0.5 cm to 0.9 cm, 33% for stones 1.0 cm to 1.49 cm, 33% for stones 1.5 cm to 1.9 cm, and 54% for stones > or = 2.0 cm. Regarding total volume of stones, the detection by x-ray was 0% for volumes < 0.2 cm3, 33% for volumes 0.2 cm3 to 0.39 cm3, 60% for volumes 0.40 cm3 to 0.59 cm3, 40% for volumes of 0.60 cm3 to 0.79 cm3, 0% for stones from 0.8 cm3 to 0.99 cm3, and 57% for volumes > or = 1.0 cm3. Overall, 13/62 (20.97%) of stones found during cystoscopy were detected by the x-ray. CONCLUSION: Abdominal x-ray is not a reliable method to detect bladder stones in individuals with SCI.

Adult↗

Clinical results of the transurethreal resection and evaluation of superficial bladder carcinomas by means of fluorescence diagnosis after intravesical instillation of 5-aminolevulinic acid.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The high recurrence rate of superficial bladder carcinomas requires new approaches in diagnosis and therapy. Particularly, an improvement in detection, resulting in better resection of flat lesions, which are poorly or not detectable under white light, is necessary. The effectiveness of fluorescence diagnosis for detection and transurethral resection of bladder carcinomas was investigated in a prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 120 patients, 347 biopsies were taken or tumors resected with the aid of fluorescence from 5-aminolevulinic acid. Urothelial carcinomas and dysplasias were detected in 124 cases. RESULTS: Of the lesions, 119 were fluorescence positive (N = 74 pTaG1/2; N = 9 pT1G1/2; N = 11 pT1G3; N = 7 carcinoma in situ; N = 6 p > T1; N = 12 dysplasia II), and 5 were falsely negative (N = 3 pTaG1/2; N = 1 pT1G1/2; N = 1 dysplasia II). The sensitivity of the fluorescence diagnosis (96.0%) was significantly higher than the 67.5% sensitivity of white-light cystoscopy (P < 0.0001). Taking the data for primary or recurrent tumor resection and secondary resection separately, the sensitivity was 100% and 80%, respectively, and was significantly higher than that of white-light cystoscopy, which was 80.8% and 20 %, respectively (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0008). The lower sensitivity of fluorescence diagnosis in secondary transurethral resection is attributed to the higher rate of false-negative findings in areas of former resection. CONCLUSIONS: The high rate of false-positive findings limits the correct interpretation of fluorescence findings. In spite of this, fluorescence diagnosis is superior to white-light cystoscopy in every case. By means of better detection of urothelial neoplasias and dysplasias, as well as more thorough and extensive resection under fluorescence control, it should be possible to reduce the recurrence rate of superficial bladder carcinomas.

Administration, Intravesical↗

Fluorescence detection of bladder tumors with 5-amino-levulinic acid.

BACKGROUND: Preliminary data suggest that photodiagnosis by fluorescence detection of protoporphyrin IX, a biosynthetic product of the photosensitizer 5-amino-levulinic acid (ALA), is superior to conventional cystoscopy in bladder tumor detection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We instilled 1.5 g of ALA into the bladders of 52 patients with suspect bladder lesions 1 to 4 hours prior to transurethral resection or biopsy. Red fluorescence was induced by violet-blue light (wavelength 380-450 nm). RESULTS: In 13 patients (25%), significant tumors were detected by fluorescence that were missed on conventional cystoscopy. In the present series, ALA photodetection had a sensitivity of 94.6% (compared with 76% for cystoscopy) and a specificity of 43%. CONCLUSION: Fluorescence diagnosis with ALA may become a standard procedure for bladder tumor detection and resection, especially in endoscopically difficult situations (carcinoma in situ, multifocal tumors, multiple prior resections, or previous drug instillation therapy).

Adult↗

Interstitial cystitis in children.

PURPOSE: Interstitial cystitis has been rarely reported in children. We present our experience with 16 children in whom clinical symptomatology and cystoscopic findings were consistent with the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 20 children referred for chronic sensory urgency, frequency and bladder pain who underwent cystoscopy and hydrodistension. Four patients were excluded from study because of infection identified at cystoscopy or lack of cystoscopic changes with hydro-distension. RESULTS: Patient age at onset of first symptoms ranged from 2 to 11 years (median 4.5) and age at diagnosis ranged from 3 to 16 years (mean 8.2). Of the 16 children 14 (88%) presented with symptoms of urinary frequency and sensory urgency, and in 13 (81%) lower abdominal pain was relieved by voiding. None of the children had motor urgency. Urodynamic evaluation in 8 cases revealed early bladder sensation with no evidence of involuntary bladder contractions. Diffuse glomerulations and terminal hematuria were demonstrated in all patients after hydro-distension. Followup was available for 14 patients. Relief of symptoms occurred after hydro-distension in all children except 1. Seven children (50%) required repeat hydro-distension. CONCLUSIONS: Children with symptoms of bladder pain, urinary frequency and sensory urgency have bladder changes on cystoscopy consistent with interstitial cystitis. Although rare, this condition is recognizable and it should not be confused with dysfunctional voiding in which complaints are secondary to involuntary bladder contractions.

Adolescent↗

The PIC cystogram: a novel approach to identify "occult" vesicoureteral reflux in children with febrile urinary tract infections.

PURPOSE: When the standard cystogram does not show vesicoureteral reflux in children who have experienced febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs), clinical management is controversial. We postulated that vesicoureteral reflux accounts for such UTIs but is "occult." We tested this hypothesis by using a novel method, PIC cystography (Positioning the Instillation of Contrast at the ureteral orifice) at the time of cystoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed PIC cystography with instillation of contrast medium at the ureteral orifice consecutively and prospectively in 57 children who underwent cystoscopy between November 1999 and February 2002 to evaluate febrile UTIs in 40 patients, dysfunctional voiding in 14 and hydronephrosis in 3. The control group (27 patients, 54 renal units) was used to assess the accuracy of PIC by comparing the results against those with the standard cystogram in children who did not have febrile infection and did not demonstrate vesicoureteral reflux (15 patients, 30 renal units), and in those who had febrile infection and vesicoureteral reflux (12 patients, 24 renal units). The study group (30 patients, 60 renal units) served to assess the incidence of "occult" vesicoureteral reflux in children who experienced febrile UTIs yet did not have vesicoureteral reflux on standard cystography. RESULTS CONTROL GROUP: In children without febrile UTIs all 30 ureteral orifices had a normal endoscopic appearance and no vesicoureteral reflux by PIC cystography. In children with febrile UTIs 15 ureteral orifices with known vesicoureteral reflux were lateral and/or patulous and demonstrated vesicoureteral reflux by PIC, 4 appeared normal and did not exhibit vesicoureteral reflux on standard cystography or by PIC, and 5 were lateral and/or patulous in appearance and did not display vesicoureteral reflux on standard cystography, but did show vesicoureteral reflux by PIC. These findings reveal that PIC cystography is 100% sensitive at demonstrating reflux already known by standard cystogram, is 87% specific as it showed reflux in 5 of 39 renal units not revealed by a standard cystogram and has an overall accuracy of 91%. STUDY GROUP: At cystoscopy all 30 children demonstrated an abnormal appearance of one or both ureteral orifices. PIC cystography showed vesicoureteral reflux in all 30 children (48 renal units, 12 unilateral and 18 bilateral). The remaining ureteral orifices (12), which appeared normal, did not permit vesicoureteral reflux. Children with vesicoureteral reflux by PIC were treated with antimicrobial prophylaxis (26) or ureteral reimplantation (4, 2 unilateral and 2 bilateral reimplantation) Postoperatively, these children did not experience a febrile UTI during followup (average 8 months). CONCLUSIONS: PIC cystography is simple to perform using routinely available operating room equipment and does not artifactually induce vesicoureteral reflux. The incidence of "occult" vesicoureteral reflux in children who experience febrile UTIs without vesicoureteral reflux on standard cystography is 100% by PIC cystography. PIC cystography should be done when vesicoureteral reflux is suspected in children who experience febrile UTIs but do not exhibit reflux on standard cystography.

Adolescent↗

Effect of prostate manipulation on the serum levels of complexed prostate-specific antigen and total prostate-specific antigen.

BACKGROUND: Recently there has been considerable interest in complexed prostate-specific antigen (cPSA) as an alternative to total PSA (tPSA). Data regarding the variations of cPSA are limited. We performed a prospective study using different forms of prostate manipulation to demonstrate and compare variations between cPSA and tPSA. METHODS: The study included 113 men, 34 of whom had a digital rectal examination, 28 had a flexible cystoscopy, 17 had a rigid cystoscopy, 21 had a prostate biopsy, and 13 underwent a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Blood samples were taken before and after manipulation for measurement of tPSA and cPSA. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the cPSA and tPSA before and after manipulation, with the exception of cystoscopy. On review of the data, it was clear that not all changes were clinically significant. The mean differences were greater for tPSA than for cPSA for all procedures. This was most apparent following prostate biopsy and TURP. Regression analysis also showed that cPSA and tPSA were affected differently by prostate manipulation. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that cPSA is less prone to variations when compared to tPSA.

Adult↗

Management of superficial bladder cancer in Victoria: 1990 and 1995.

BACKGROUND: A retrospective survey of medical practitioners was undertaken to describe the tumour characteristics, management and outcomes of all superficial bladder cancers newly diagnosed in 1990 and in 1995 in Victoria. METHODS: Cases were identified from the population cancer registry. The survey was conducted in 1999 and the cohort followed up until 2000 to obtain at least 5 years of follow-up data on all patients, in particular to identify recurrence of tumour as assessed at surveillance cystoscopy and progression to muscle invasive cancer. RESULTS: Tumour recurrence was observed in 390/610 patients (63.9%), of whom 56.9% had their recurrence noted at the first check cystoscopy. Ultimately 43 (6.3%) of patients progressed to invasive disease, with this subgroup demonstrating 5-year overall survival of 35% (95% confidence interval (CI) 21-49%). Ultimately survival was proportional to the extent of tumour invasion, being greater in low-risk patients (76%, 95% CI 72-80%, mucosal disease only) than in high-risk patients (46%, 95% CI 36-56%, lamina propria invasion noted at diagnosis). CONCLUSIONS: In low-risk subgroups of patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma, the frequency of surveillance cystoscopy may be able to be reduced to levels in accordance with established European guidelines without a likely impact on patient survival. Where progression to muscle invasive disease does ensue, more aggressive management may be warranted in order to try to improve survival.

Aged↗

Effect of intravesical mitomycin C on recurrence of newly diagnosed superficial bladder cancer: interim report from the Medical Research Council Subgroup on Superficial Bladder Cancer (Urological Cancer Working Party).

A randomised control trial of intravesical instillation of mitomycin C was conducted in 457 patients with cancer of the bladder that was confined to the submucosa on histological examination. The events studied were the recurrence free rate, the recurrence rate/year, and the number of new tumours developing/year. At the initial cystoscopy the tumours were completely resected and the patients randomised to have no instillation of mitomycin C, a single instillation of 40 mg in 40 ml of water at that cystoscopy, or a single instillation and then four further instillations. All patients had follow up cystoscopies every three months for the first year, twice in the second year, and yearly thereafter. After a median of 12 months, follow up information was available for 397 patients. Patients receiving both the single instillation of mitomycin C and the instillations at five cystoscopic examinations had significantly lower yearly recurrence rates and tumour rates than those in the control group, and the group receiving multiple instillations fared significantly better than those receiving a single instillation. The figures on progression to invasive cancer were too small to allow conclusions to be drawn.

Administration, Intravesical↗

Comparison of the BTA stat test with voided urine cytology and bladder wash cytology in the diagnosis and monitoring of bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the BTA stat test (BTA stat), a new one-step immunochromatographic assay that can be performed in the urologist's office or in the laboratory, to voided urine cytology and bladder wash cytology (cytology) in the diagnosis and monitoring of cancer of the bladder (BC). METHODS: BTA stat and cytology were performed in a double-blinded, prospective, clinical study on specimens from 240 subjects (68 females; mean age of subjects: 64 years) suspected of having BC. RESULTS: In 107 subjects with final diagnoses of BC confirmed by cystoscopy or cystoscopy and biopsy, the overall sensitivities of BTA stat and cytology were 65 and 33%, respectively. For tumor grades I, II, and III, the sensitivities of BTA stat were 39, 67 and 83%, respectively. Those of cytology were 4, 20 and 69%. Nine subjects had a diagnosis of 'suspicious for bladder cancer'. The specificities of BTA stat and cytology in the 124 subjects without BC were 64 and 99%, respectively. In the subjects with a history of BC (n = 74), the specificities of BTA stat and cytology were 72 and 99%, respectively. The specificity of BTA stat was lower in subjects with benign or malignant genitourinary disease other than BC (46%) than in subjects without genitourinary disease (71%). CONCLUSIONS: The BTA stat test is considerably more sensitive than cytology in the detection of BC and can replace cytology as an adjunct to cystoscopy in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with BC. However, due to low specificity, BTA stat should not be used without first ruling out potential interferences such as infections, renal disease and cancer, or genitourinary trauma.

Adult↗

Measurements of complement factor H-related protein (BTA-TRAK assay) and nuclear matrix protein (NMP22 assay)--useful diagnostic tools in the diagnosis of urinary bladder cancer?

Between 1997 and 2000 we investigated in a prospective study the voided urine samples of all consecutive patients undergoing cystoscopy independent from their clinical background (n = 705) with the BTA-TRAK assay (Bard Diagnostics, Redmont, USA) detecting a complement factor H-related protein (CFHrP) and the NMP22 assay (Matritech, Newton, USA) measuring a nuclear matrix protein, which is supposed to be specific for bladder cancer. The individuals were divided into three groups concerning the clinical background: 233 patients had urological diseases, 268 patients had urinary bladder cancer and 150 patients had other urological malignancies. Based on the clinical findings we compared our results with well established diagnostic methods for urinary bladder cancer such as cytology and the detection of hematuria. In addition, we investigated urine samples from 30 healthy individuals and 24 patients with urinary tract infection without performing cystoscopy. Following the recommendations of the European Group on Tumor Markers we used 95% specificity for benign urological diseases and urinary tract infections, which resulted in a sensitivity of 17% for active bladder cancer for the BTA-TRAK assay and 31% for NMP22. We compared these results with the detection of hematuria (specificity: 72%) and cytology, which had a sensitivity of 64% and 89%, respectively. Subsequently, we calculated sensitivity and specificity for the detection of relapse of the disease. Again using 95% specificity, in this case for patients with no evidence of disease (NED), in patients with recurrent disease the BTA-TRAK assay showed 8% sensitivity as compared to 12% for the NMP22 assay. Due to an insufficient specificity and sensitivity, both tests can neither be clinically useful in screening of high risk patients, nor in primary diagnosis of bladder cancer. They cannot replace neither cystoscopy nor cytology. In the follow-up care more investigations may be necessary to prove the benefit of existing diagnostic strategies for the discrimination between active and inactive bladder cancer.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

An evaluation of procedures used in staging carcinoma of the cervix.

A review of 227 cases of invasive carcinoma of the cervix was undertaken to determine the efficacy of procedures using in the staging of this disease. All patients had a pretreatment chest radiography and intravenous pyelogram. 96.5% had pretreatment cystoscopy, 98.6% had pretreatment proctoscopy, and 92% had a pretreatment barium enema. These patients were retrospectively staged on the findings of physical examination only. Each additional procedure was then evaluated by comparison with the initial staging. Cystoscopy and chest film findings each would have changed the clinical stage in fewer than 1% of cases, barium enema in 1.4%, and proctoscopy in 2.2%. No patient had a positive barium enema without a positive proctoscopy, while two patients had positive proctoscopies with negative barium enemas. The overall yield of positive findings by pretreatment intravenous pyelography was 7.3%. Lymphangiography, although inconsistently done, yielded positive findings in all stages. Chest radiographs, intravenous pyelography, proctoscopy, and lymphangiography are recommended as part of the pretreatment workup of patients with carcinoma of the cervix. Routine barium enema is no longer recommended, and cystoscopy is only recommended in patients with clinical stage IIB disease or greater.

Barium Sulfate↗

Tumor markers for the early detection of bladder cancer.

Several urine markers have been and are currently being investigated for the diagnosis and prognostication of bladder malignancies. While cystoscopy and urine cytology remain the gold standard in the detection of bladder cancer, cystoscopy is invasive and cytology yields low sensitivities in low-grade disease. The availability of a non-invasive, accurate, office-based test would be ideal. In this review, we discuss markers that are useful in the prevention and detection of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. In general, each of the markers has better sensitivities than cytology, but lower specificities. Furthermore, each of these markers must still be used in adjunct with cystoscopy.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Transurethral ultrasound scanning in the evaluation of invasive bladder cancer.

One hundred and sixty-six patients suspected of having bladder tumours underwent transurethral ultrasound scanning before cystoscopy. Forty-nine patients had no tumour either at cystoscopy or on ultrasonography. Nine of the remaining 117 patients (8%) had false positive results and in a further 8 (7%) the ultrasound failed to show the tumour. The diagnostic accuracy for superficial tumours was 73%, whereas the accuracy in assessing muscle infiltrating and more advanced tumours was almost identical, 58-59%. It is concluded that transurethral ultrasound scanning does not add to the information obtained from cystoscopy and bimanual palpation in patients with bladder tumours.

Adult↗