Questions about bladder tumor/cancer.
Hi. English isn't my first language, so I will try my best to explain what I would like to know for my concern.
Recently I am trying to understand bladder cancer and the test how it was performed. I am worried about my family.
I read that urine test and cytology is the most common one to diagnose. However, I read that the sensitivity for the results is quite high for finding high grade bladder cancer and bladder tumor, like 90%. The results is quite low for low grade bladder cancer and bladder tumor, like 33%. The word sensitivity they used, does it mean accuracy?
And if they repeat urine test and cytology more than once, will that increase the sensitivity for low grade bladder cancer or bladder tumor?
Thanks.
@will - I am not a medically trained professional but I do believe that normally further testing is done to confirm a cancer diagnosis along with the the stage and grade ( high or low). Normally a cystoscope is done if cancer is suspected and then a TURBT procedure if tumors are found. A urine test will not provide that information. I would discuss the testing with your doctor and ask any and all questions that you have including what the next steps for a specific diagnosis are. By the way, your English is excellent. Please keep us posted as to how things are going and what information you have been able to find out from the doctors. A urine test is just the initial test. My best to you and your family. Linda Urbanski ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
hi unfortunately I am not medically trained but would think, just In my opinion that this is unlikely. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net @will - I have no medical background and cannot provide medical advice but clearly there is a reason that bladder cancer was a thought in someone's mine when these symptoms appeared. Bladder cancer does not just go away and needs to be treated or closely watched once it has been diagnosed. What was the diagnosis given when your family member was given these prescriptions? I personally would check this further as blood in the urine can be a concern. Good luck to you and your family member. My best. Linda Urbanski ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
i am not medically trained but I agree with what Linda explained above. I would ask is you have a support nurse assigned to you. Ask for a call with them to understand what the steps they have planned for you. Wishing you well and let know how you get on. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net I am a retired Registered Nurse and have a husband with bladder cancer. I agree with what these ladies have said. I would also add that they have to have a BIOPSY in which they obtain a sample of the bladder. That's when they can actually make the diagnosis. Also, they can do chemo directly to that area when they are in there. I hope my English is simple enough for you to understand. If there is anything (other than treatment, of course) I can do from here, just ask. Thanks! Iris
sensitivity is a statistical term, it simply means the possibility of a test to detect disease when its present, for example say there are 100 people with high grade bladder cancer, if this test with a sensitivity of 90% is done on all those 100 then this test will come positive in 90 of them ,
Similarly if the same test (cytology ) is done on 100 people with low grade bladder cancer , it will come positive in 30 of these hundred
Hope that answer your question
