(08) 8119 0961
Fax 08 8164 5397
Healthlink EDI: adurolog
Home / Conditions / Bladder tumour
Condition · Bladder

Bladder tumour

Bladder tumours are abnormal growths that develop in the tissues of the bladder. They can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) and may spread to other parts of the body.

About bladder tumours

Bladder tumours are abnormal growths that develop in the tissues of the bladder, which is a hollow organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine before it is eliminated from the body. Bladder tumours can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) and may spread to other parts of the body.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of bladder tumours include blood in the urine, frequent urination, painful urination, and lower back pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Types of Bladder Tumours

Bladder tumours are classified into three types:

Papillomas
These are non-cancerous tumours that grow on a stalk and protrude into the bladder.
Non-invasive bladder cancer
This type of bladder cancer starts in the lining of the bladder but does not invade the muscular wall of the bladder.
Invasive bladder cancer
This type of bladder cancer invades the muscular wall of the bladder and can spread to nearby organs and lymph nodes.
Stage 0 (non-invasive) bladder cancer.
Stage 0 (non-invasive) bladder cancer.

Tests

Several tests may be necessary to diagnose and stage bladder tumours properly, which include:

Urine tests
Urine tests may be done to look for blood in the urine or other abnormal substances that may indicate bladder cancer.
Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy is a procedure that uses a small camera to look inside the bladder and urethra to examine the bladder lining and identify any abnormalities.
Biopsy
During a cystoscopy, a small sample of tissue (biopsy) may be taken for examination under a microscope to determine if cancer is present.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRI, or ultrasound, may be used to determine the extent of the tumour and whether it has spread beyond the bladder.

Treatment

The treatment for a bladder tumour depends on the type and stage of the tumour, as well as the patient's overall health and personal preferences. Surgery is the primary treatment for bladder tumours. Transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT) is a common procedure that can help both diagnose and treat the problem. With a TURBT, the surgeon removes the tumour through the urethra using a small camera and surgical instruments. For invasive tumours, more extensive surgery, such as a partial or radical cystectomy (removal of part or all of the bladder), may be necessary.

Speak with our team

Have a referral or a question about your care? Our team is here to help.

Call (08) 8119 0961
REQUEST A CONSULTATION

Speak with A/Prof Akbar Ashrafi

Consultations are available across our Adelaide locations. Bring your referral and any recent scans or test results, and we will talk through your diagnosis, the options available to you, and what to expect.

Referrals accepted from GPs and specialists.