Bladder Tumor

The first signs of a bladder tumor are usually painless and only show blood in the urine. In this case, a urological examination should be done immediately. Generally, bladder tumors can be removed through a small endoscopic procedure. The procedure is performed either under full or partial anesthesia, and the patient has to wear a bladder catheter for one or two days. If the tumor is located only at the surface of the bladder inner wall, the treatment with the endoscopic removal is sufficient. The patient is admitted in our tumor aftercare program. In some cases, drug treatment is indicated to prevent the recurrence of the tumor. In these cases, medication is introduced into the bladder. This treatment is performed on an outpatient basis. If the tumor has already grown on the bladder mucosa and into the bladder muscle, the bladder has to be removed surgically. To substitute the bladder, a new reservoir is formed, usually from intestine, and inserted in place of the removed bladder. This substitute can be connected either to the urethra, rectum, or navel, or as a stoma from the abdominal wall. After such operations, the patient usually will undergo an appropriate drug therapy to prevent the occurrence of metastases (secondary tumors) or to destroy already existing metastases. This therapy is carried out with the patient being hospitalized and continuing the treatment on an outpatient basis