Managing superficial bladder cancer: an overview.
More than 90 percent of bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Superficial TCC is defined as a transitional cell tumor that is confined to the mucosa (Stages Ta or carcinoma in situ) or that has invaded the lamina propria (Stage T1). When treating patients with superficial bladder cancer, urologists are faced with a number of important tasks. First, the initial tumor or tumors must be removed. Second, the other parts of the urothelium must be assessed for the presence of premalignant or malignant abnormalities. Third, the depth and extent of invasion (i.e., tumor stage) must be determined. Fourth, the clinician must decide whether additional treatment (e.g., intravesical chemotherapy or immunotherapy, cystectomy, or radiotherapy) is indicated. Finally, the patient must be monitored for the development of subsequent tumors. This article provides an overview of the management of superficial bladder cancer.
Soloway
M S
MS
Department of Urology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida.
D000283:Administration, Intravesical; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001500:BCG Vaccine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D016685:Mitomycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D013852:Thiotepa / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001500:BCG Vaccine; D016685:Mitomycin; D004317:Doxorubicin; D013852:Thiotepa