Would appreciate some info for newly diagnosed

[sylvia]

Today (Friday) I saw a gynecologist for what was suspected as uterine problems – however during the pelvic exam she found a growth on my bladder. (I had been experiencing a bit of very light bleeding, slight pain in my lower pelvic area, and bladder pressure for a few months.) I had an ultrasound a few weeks ago but she could not identify the growth and has booked me to return on Monday after having an oncologist take a look at the scan. She said we will discuss the next step then. Tonight I am wondering if anyone can advise if it is unusual to actually “feel” a mass in early stage bladder cancer. Or if this is more indicative of late stage?

I realize there are no absolutes but just wondering if it is common for a physical exam to show a mass?  Also, would a gynecologist be involved at this stage or would I expect to be referred to a urologist next?  I know we are fortunate to live in medically advanced times, and in Canada with such expertise, but I am frightened that I am already late stage and could use some insight. Thank you from the west coast, S

[Jack Moon]

Hi Sylvia
Welcome to our forum. You seem to have a few of the signs of possible bladder cancer. I am not sure what the mass may indicate but the doctors will be able to determine. In my case it was blood in the urine which is the major indicator of bladder cancer. Normally your next step would be to see an Urologist as in my situation who will take a look inside of the bladder. (cystocopy) This is the gold standard for identifying growths inside the bladder. This will be a step by step process and at times your patience will be tested. What determines the stage of bladder cancer is the depth of the mass which usually can not be determined until the mass is removed and sent to the lab and analyzed and also CT scan to see the surrounding area of the bladder. Try to stay positive which we all know is not easy, but hopefully in the very near future you will have some answers. Stay proactive which you are just by joining this group. Be careful what you read on the internet, just go to reliable sites like this one and major cancer centers for information.
Keep us posted and continue to ask questions.
All the best,
Jack

• This reply was modified 6 years, 6 months ago by Jack Moon.

[marysue]

When I first had visible blood in my urine back in June 2008, I went straight to my GP and took a jar of bloody urine with me.  He took a look at the jar, said a few choice 4 letter words and had me up on the examining table before I could blink.  He did check my vagina for signs of trouble and did a full pelvic exam.  We knew it wouldn’t be uterine trouble since I’d already had a hysterectomy 6 years earlier but I think he was concerned about my ovaries. When he pressed on the lower right of my abdomen I felt it and I know he did too.  He sent me off for x-rays and an ultrasound and those tests revealed not one but several “masses” in my bladder.  The x-ray and ultra sound also ruled out any “female” troubles.  I was referred to a urologist right away and he wanted to do a cystoscopy exam to view the inside of my bladder to confirm what the x-ray and ultrasound showed stating that sometimes they don’t show everything or they show something that may not be there – false reading.  Unfortunately in my case the cysto exam confirmed the x-ray and ultrasound findings. But the good news was that it was caught early and dealt with.

I strongly suggest that in addition to the oncology consult,  you ask your GP about whether a urology referral is necessary. Jack is right.  The usual next step is a trip to a urologist.   The oncologist may be able to determine what the ultrasound findings are but it is a urologist that can look inside your bladder.  Women sometimes have a delay in being diagnosed with bladder cancer because doctors do not always suspect bladder cancer right off. Best Wishes and stay in touch.  (((HUGS))))

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