Possibibility of spreading.

Every cancer begins as a single cell that grows and propagates. Therefore it is posible to have early metastases that are not detected on initial studies. Any person who has ever had successfully treated for any kind of cancer always carries a risk of recurrence and metastases, but if you have superficial (noninvasive) bladder cancer removed and are monitored for recurrence your chances of long term cancer free survival are very good. Without the surgery, things will definitely get worse.
The man who had surgery and then died from metastatic disease most likely had early microscopic metastases at the time of his original surgery. It is unlikely that the surgery contributed to his demise. In addition he would have likely reached the point of invasive and metastatic disease without the surgery if his cancer was not already that advanced.
-Warren

My wife was talking to the pharmacist the other day about what his father went thru. It seem that he had a consult outside of the VA and was told that surgery could cause the cancer to leave the confines of the bladder. The VA went ahead and did a usrgey on him. With in 6 months the cancer had spread thru his body. He expired soon after. Is this an "urban ledgend"? Or is there risk in any invasibe surgery? He told her that if they wouldnt have actually cut into him, his father would still be alive. Thats why shes so afraid of the VA.