Examination for recurrence of bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is one of the most recurrent tumors, and recurrence is most common within two years after cure. Therefore, patients with bladder cancer should be strictly followed up in the outpatient clinic after cure, especially for patients who retain their bladder. The follow-up period is once every three months within two years after surgery, and once every six months after two years. The following examination methods can be used to determine whether bladder cancer patients have recurrence or metastasis.

1. Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is a must-do examination for every follow-up visit for bladder cancer patients, especially for those who retain their bladder. In addition, recurrence of bladder cancer may also occur in the renal pelvis, ureter, urethra, etc., so a negative cystoscopy cannot completely rule out the possibility of recurrence.

2. Urine cytology examination

Urine cytology examination is simple and easy to perform, painless to patients, and inexpensive, and can be used as the main means of regular review.

3. Serum tumor marker examination

Blood tests for serum tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) are helpful in diagnosing whether bladder cancer has distant metastasis or recurrence.

4. Ultrasound examination

For patients with lower abdominal discomfort, B-ultrasound examination can be performed, focusing on the liver and local lymph nodes to check whether lymph node metastasis or local invasion has occurred. For patients with hematuria, frequent urination, painful urination, and urinary retention, the possibility of urinary tract infection and stones should be ruled out before further diagnosis.

5. X-ray examination

Plain X-ray examination, mainly to check for lung metastasis