Bladder Cancer

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with bladder cancer, understanding your treatment options is crucial. Let's explore what bladder cancer is and how TURBT can play a role in treatment.

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the bladder, the organ that stores urine. It typically begins in the cells lining the bladder wall. Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers, but the good news is that it's often treatable, especially when detected early.

Understanding TURBT

Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) is a surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat bladder cancer. It's a minimally invasive procedure performed using a cystoscope, a thin tube with a camera, inserted through the urethra.

How Does TURBT Work?

During TURBT:

Anesthesia: You'll be given either general anesthesia (to put you to sleep).
Insertion of Cystoscope: The urologist inserts a cystoscope through the urethra and into the bladder to visualize the tumor.
Resection of Tumor: Using specialized instruments passed through the cystoscope, the urologist removes the tumor or tumors from the bladder wall.
Biopsy: Tissue samples (biopsies) of the tumor are taken and sent to the lab for analysis to determine if cancer is present and its stage.

Blue Light TURBT with Cysview

Blue Light TURBT, also known as fluorescence cystoscopy, is an advanced technique used in conjunction with TURBT to improve the detection and removal of bladder tumors. Cysview (hexaminolevulinate hydrochloride) is a medication that makes cancer cells fluoresce (glow) under blue light, helping to identify and remove them more accurately.

How Does Blue Light TURBT Work?

Cysview Administration: Before the procedure, Cysview is instilled in the pre-operative area into the bladder through a catheter. The medication is absorbed by cancer cells in the bladder.
Blue Light Imaging: During TURBT, the bladder is examined with both white light and blue light. Under blue light, cancer cells treated with Cysview fluoresce, making them easier to distinguish from healthy tissue.
Tumor Removal: Using the blue light guidance, the urologist can more accurately identify and remove cancerous tissue while sparing healthy bladder tissue.

Benefits of Blue Light TURBT with Cysview

Improved Detection: Blue Light TURBT with Cysview can detect smaller and more aggressive tumors that may not be visible under white light alone.
More Complete Removal: By highlighting cancerous tissue, Cysview helps ensure that tumors are completely removed during surgery, reducing the risk of recurrence.
Enhanced Accuracy: Blue Light TURBT allows for more precise identification and removal of cancerous tissue, leading to better treatment outcomes.

Is Blue Light TURBT Right for You?

Blue Light TURBT with Cysview may be recommended if:

You have a history of bladder cancer or suspicious bladder lesions.
Your doctor wants to ensure a more accurate and thorough evaluation of the bladder lining.

Conclusion