What Does a Bladder Tumor Look Like?

1 min read

Many people in the bladder cancer community have described coming face to face with their bladder tumor in the exam room during a cystoscopy.

One survivor described the moment by saying, "The first glimpse I had of a tumor of mine, I was struck by how pretty it was. I always imagined a tumor to be ugly. This one looked like a sea anemone..." Another survivor wrote about not being able to look at the screen until the scope is over.

There are so many different cystoscopy experiences, and many of you shared what your bladder tumors looked like when you saw them for the first time. We created this video to help illustrate your words.

What did your bladder cancer look like? Tell us in the comments below, or share your story with the community.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The BladderCancer.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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pmcnally Member
I did not look at mine. I had a stroke in 2016, and was on blood thinners. I had to go off for the procedure, and it was done in an OR with me under anesthesia. I have to go in on Monday for a 3 month follow up.
1. Sarah Wallin Community Admin
 <inline-mention user-id="2075745" username="pmcnally"/> , we've heard some others say they are under anesthesia during the cystoscopy, too. Does your doctor ever share any images with you after? I'm wishing you a smooth follow up on Monday! Let us know how it goes. Take care, Sarah (BladderCancer.net Team Member)
2. pmcnally Member
 Hi Sarah, All this new patient portal stuff, it was supposed to make it open. When I had my stroke, one person said it was a very small stroke, it was in the cerebellum, so recovery is pretty 100%. I wanted to see the MRI pics, and I asked why they weren't in my medical record, and I was told that the software is proprietary and they can't be posted. I pretty sure, they will say the same thing here. Odd. Mechanics are required by law to show you the parts they replace, just had that done with a tire sensor, but I can't have access to pictures of me?
intjem Member
"Sea anemone" is exactly the way I described mine, too! When I had my first cystoscopy, we weren't 100% sure yet that it was cancer, and I was nervous, but I would rather be fully informed than not, so I watched. I don't know what I expected--an ugly little goblin pulling faces for the camera, maybe?--but I was also surprised by the sea anemone-like appearance. It almost looked like there was a bizarre little aquarium in my bladder.
1. Sarah Wallin Community Admin
 <inline-mention user-id="2067009" username="intjem"/> , Glad the "sea anemone" was relatable to you! Perhaps this video may help prep others for what to expect! -Sarah (BladderCancer.net Team Member)
Jacqueline Harmon Member
I have always chosen to see the tumors. For me, the first two looked like tiny Christmas trees. However, sea anemones was exactly how I described the three that came thereafter. One month ago, two small anemones were removed from my bladder after a long remission. Years ago, I blogged the very same sentiment about expecting them to be grotesque growths rather than the strange beautiful mutations they are. (As I recall, my readers were appalled.) After all, they are my own cells, parts of me, which became diseased and had to die. Perhaps, beautiful was their expression of wanting to live. (I know, I'm weird. I am an artist.) Or could it just be one way of processing my grief about sometimes feeling alone on this journey?
Linda Urbanski Member
Interesting to hear of the variety of "things" seem when having a cystco. I was having urine retention issues and was in pain from that and did not even look at the screen to see what was going on. One of these days I may check the booklet I kept on my testing. treatments, surgeries etc and see if there are specific notes on that to tell me what sea creature was on the screen. My best to all Linda Urbanski ( moderator, <a href='https://bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>Bladdercancer.net</a> team member)
Laura MacKenzie Member
It is very interesting indeed. I was really ill when I had my one and only cystoscopy. My bladder was full of faeces due to the fistula between my bowel and bladder caused by the later stage cancer. The urologist said he couldn’t see anything. I didn’t want to look. Laura, Moderator, <a href='https://bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>BladderCancer.net</a>
CommunityMemberda9beb Member
I've had a few opportunities to look at the monitor showing my Cystoscopy. I will normally look away but am drawn to take a few peeks. Fascinating nasty little things. @
1. BethHuffman Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberda9beb" user-id="8673035"/>, I think many members will agree with you... It's hard not to take a peek here and there. How are you doing today?? Sending positive vibes your way! -Beth (Team Member)