Long-range studies have determined that exposure to these chemicals, also called aromatic amines, could result in bladder cancer 20 to 25 years later. Urologists are frequently first consulted because of blood in the urine. Although the presence of blood is often seen in bladder cancer, it also is a symptom of many other benign or non-cancerous conditions. The standard evaluation for bladder cancer includes a cystoscopy, in which a thin telescope-like instrument is inserted into the urethra and passed into the bladder to examine the lining. A tissue sample can be removed during this procedure for a biopsy.
Studies also show that the new tests have increased sensitivity for detecting cancer.
We're going to see if these tests are more helpful than the current testing. Copyright 1998 Baylor College of Medicine. All Rights Reserved.