HJNO Nov/Dec 2021

52 NOV / DEC 2021 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS ONCOLOGY DIAL GUE COLUMN ONCOLOGY THERE is not much public awareness about this not so uncommon cancer. It does not even have its own “color” designated like breast, colon and many other cancers. There- fore, there is not much public or private funding to increase the awareness of blad- der cancer. While it is often seen in elderly male smokers, female nonsmokers or young people are not spared from this potentially deadly disease. While the onset of bladder cancer can be insidious and often asymptotic (if suspect- ed on an abnormal urine test), a test usually done routinely in your family doctor’s office can lead to an early diagnosis and cure. A few pursued at major cancer centers. Herein, a photosensitive blue dye is injected and is concentrated in tumor cells. It lights up as bright pink in the white light of the cysto- scope compared to normal cells, so the Urol- ogist can easily distinguish it from normal cells. This is especially helpful in picking up small tumors and hence improves control and cure. Like most cancers, early detection im- proves outcomes. Newer technologies, such as urine tumor DNA cytology, are being pur- sued but are not accepted for early diagnosis; however, they may help follow the disease, although that too is controversial. red blood cells in the urine are often a red flag, especially in the absence of urinary infec- tion and stones. About 12% could have early bladder cancer; however, a cystoscope study by a urologist is needed to diagnose bladder cancer properly. Other ancillary tests, though less accurate, such as urine tumor cells or DNA, can be used to follow it. Definitive Diagnosis Cystoscopy is often done in an outpatient setting with mild sedation, but bladder can- cer can sometimes be missed even in expert hands with expert eyes. A new technique called “blue light” cystoscopy is now being DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF Bladder Cancer