TURBT

Hi ClaireN21. Pretty much everyone has a TURBT procedure as the first step. Biopsies taken show the stage and grade and determine the next step. Best wishes

So I’ve already had biopsy taken that’s how they found it. So would they need to do the TURBT? 

Hi Claire. Usually they would do a TURBT to remove as much as they can. You would normally have some scans as well. Best wishes.

Hi ClaireN21,It’s possible to have biopsies under a local anaesthetic during a cystoscopy but these are only superficial biopsies.Deeper biopsies are done during a TURBT under general anaesthetic.I’ve had both in the past.My tumour was found during a cystoscopy and then I went back for a TURBT where they removed as much of it as they could and took biopsies.Jane 

Hi 

okay that makes sense now I was just getting confused with it all. So I should be expecting them to make an appointment for TURBT? 

If you had biopsies taken under a local anaesthetic which is not that common then I would expect you would be sent an appointment for a TURBT.What have you had done so far ? Jane

so I had general anaesthetic to put and stent in my kidney during the surgery they seen a thicker area of the bladder which they took a biopsy from which came back as cancer. So apart from that I haven’t had much more done or info given 

Once the cancer is diagnosed a group made up of medical professionals,a multi disciplinary team will meet up and discuss your case and come up with a treatment plan.It is usual to see a consultant after this and you will be able to discuss your treatment options.Mine was muscle invasive and I had my bladder removed but some people have radiotherapy /chemotherapy.It will depend on the grade and stage of the cancer and also the type of bladder cancer you have.You will probably have a scan too that seems a standard procedure.So it’s usually a turbt and scan and then once the team have met your consultant will have the test results and then you see him or her.There is plenty of advice and support here so we can help if you have any questions.Jane x

Thanks Jane, yes the meeting is tomorrow so hopefully find out more Wednesday. I hope you doing mind me asking how have you been since your bladder removal? How long ago was it? 

Hi Claire,I was diagnosed in July 2019 and had my bladder out on the 30th Sept 2019 so it all happened quickly.I had a chronic bladder disease for over 30 years before cancer so my case is different to most people on here.I’m cancer free and doing well.I have to have scans and blood tests as follow up but I’m back to doing gardening and leading a good life.One thing I would suggest is that you keep all your hospital letters together.I found it helpful to write who I saw and what was discussed at the top of each letter.Lately it’s been phone appointments but I still make a note of who I’ve spoken to.Let us know how you get on.Jane x