From: cancerbackup.org.uk

" Transitional cell carcinoma is the commonest type of bladder cancer.

Doctors describe cancers according to where in the body they occur and what type of cells they have started from. Most cancers of the bladder start from the lining tissue inside the bladder. The lining of the bladder and other parts of the urinary system are made up of transitional cells. These cells aren't normally found anywhere else in the body.

Although transitional cell carcinoma most commonly affects the bladder, occasionally it may start in the ureter, the tube joining the kidney to the bladder, or the part of the kidney that is closest to the ureter. "

1. Why wasn't the U-scan bladder results in the report to the urologist Dr Hammonds.

2. Did Dr H see the U-scans or X-ray

3. Who actually decided on the wording of the report as I wasn't told that I might have cancer, only that the cystoscopy was used to look for polyps, which I was told can be benign anyway.

4. Why wasn't I offered a cytology test, especially as I said I didn't want the discomfort of a cystoscopy.

A cytology test would seem to as useful in the early stages of expected cancer, but then their was no expectation. The cystoscopy was to look around, to see if their was anything visible.

A cytology will examine expelled cells and not only note any cancerous cells but will tell where the blood is coming from. Clearly a better job than a cystoscopy.

If cancer cells are found and blood cells from the bladder then it would give cause to consider using a cystoscopy to see if there was anything visible, but not as a prime investigation device.

Will call Dr M and see if she wants to se the scans, an can explain some of it to me and discuss the issues.

5. Why was the renal exam not carried out when I was told there would be one.

6. On a slightly different issue, that of the IT dept. Why provide the images in an unrecognisable format and be forced to use the provide viewer when better views can be obtained by making the file recognisable and using common image viewers available to all PC's

7. How can a small hernia be ruled out?

8. What can the mental and physical weaknesses relate to just before and after I pee blood.

9. On the x-ray which is not a negative using a digital receiver, what are the light patches that let the light through??

10. How long dose it take for the cancerous growths to establish themselves to a point where they are not easily destroyed by the immune system.

11. Does the size of the polyps give an indication how old they are and thereby a start date and thereby an period of weak immune system.

12. If I have polyps how are they removed?

13. What after treatment is then envisioned?

From wikipedia

A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue (tumor) projecting from a mucous membrane. If it is attached to the surface by a narrow elongated stalk it is said to be pedunculated. If no stalk is present it is said to be sessile. Polyps are commonly found in the colon, stomach, nose, sinus(es), urinary bladder and uterus. They may also occur elsewhere in the body where mucous membranes exist like the cervix[1] and small intestine.

 

From pathlights.com

POLYPS(polyposis): are growths of various sizes, and are especially found in certain portions of the mucous membranes: the nose, large intestine (colon), bladder, and cervix. They are especially common in the rectum and the portion of the colon just above that (the sigmoid).

These growths are benign (that is, not cancerous) and, growing on stalk-like structures, look something like narrow mushrooms. They tend to be hereditary.

SYMPTOMS
In the bladder: Blood in the urine.

BLADDER POLYPS: The medical route is removal of the bladder. Unless they are removed, by natural methods or unnatural, bladder cancer may result.

TREATMENT: A Wisconsin research team discovered that the polyps in most of their patients either lessened or disappeared entirely, when they were placed on a high vitamin C diet. The body is attempting to get rid of various waste products; it needs help doing the job. Vitamin C; more water drinking; nutritious food; a high-fiber diet; and the elimination of processed, fried, and junk foods greatly helps. Take some type of supplemental fiber daily. Be sure to increase your water intake at the same time you increase your fiber intake.

Cystoscopy
Reviewed by Mr John Macfarlane, consultant urological surgeon

What is a cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy is a telescopic inspection of the bladder and the urethra, which is the passageway that takes the urine to the outside.

It is performed either as an aid to diagnosis of lower urinary tract symptoms; or as part of a treatment plan relating to a specific condition, eg bladder tumour or stones.

There are two types of cystoscope (the instrument used).

* Rigid cystoscope: this is a solid straight telescope, which has been in use for many years. It is used alone with a high intensity light source and a separate channel to allow other instruments to be attached.

* Flexible cystoscope: this is more commonly used particularly for diagnosis and for the follow up of most bladder tumours. It is a fibre optic instrument that can bend easily and has a manoeuvrable tip that makes it easy to pass along the curves of the urethra.

How is a cystoscopy examination performed?

A flexible cystoscope can be passed along the urethra without an anaesthetic but the doctor may lubricate the urethra with some jelly squeezed from a disposable tube.

By manoeuvering the tip, the doctor can view all the corners of the bladder. An attached camera will allow a view of the bladder to be projected on to a TV monitor. A rigid cystoscope is usually used with a general or local anaesthetic.

A much wider range of instruments can be employed with this instrument making it easier to take biopsies, remove bladder stones or burn (cauterise) bladder tumours.

What does cystoscopy do?

As the instrument is passed into the patient, the doctor will carefully examine the urethra, which is much longer in the male.

As the cystoscope is advanced, the doctor is looking for any narrowing of the urethra and for evidence of obstruction on passing through the prostate (in men).

Once inside the bladder, the lining (mucous membrane) is carefully inspected for polyps (usually non-dangerous growths), bulges (diverticulae), tumours, wounds or stones (calculi).

The mucous membrane is looked at as a whole, and checked to see if it is irritated or pale, or if there are coatings on it that shouldn't be there.

The capacity of the bladder and any deformities are assessed. The openings of the ureters into the bladder (urinary passages from the kidneys) are inspected.

The link to the urethra (bladder neck) is also looked at carefully. The doctor will have discussed other procedures he may consider necessary.

Based on a text by Dr Erik Fangel Poulsen, specialist

Last updated 12.09.2005

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