Ta Grade 3 Questions

Connie,

My sister also had a CT upon her dx of Ta,G1, single tumor. She goes to MSK. I once asked a uro-expert why this would be needed and he said something like "I can't presume to question why a doctor performs a diagnostic test as every case is individual". That's not to say this isn't a normal way to stage someone, because it is.

Take care,
Wendy

Connie,

I had a catscan, blood tests, x-rays etc. prior to any TURB after the tumor growth was seen during a cystoscopy. After two years my doctor and many doctors recommend and did an IVP with contrast to be sure there is no growths in the ureter or kidneys. Rosie

I got a copy of my 2nd opinion pathology report yesterday. It states Grade 2 superficial urothelial cancer, but in parentheses says low grade according to the 2004 classification. I guess they are using both systems to be clear about their opinion. Now I'm waiting for the 3rd diagnosis so I can get some kind of consensus here. I'm wondering... are CT scans routinely done for low grade urothelial cancer? I can't seem to find anything on this. I know during my past two episodes of bladder cancer, a CT scan was not recommended to me.

Connie

This is why very soon tumors will be have one of 2 grades and that will be
G1 or G3 so there will be no middle one anymore either bad or good ,aggressive or not. Joe

Hi Connie,

Just a thought here, from my own experience....
When my bladder cancer was first dx'd - I got the path report from the Dr and he "explained" it to me ( it was T2 grade 3 on the report.). However, I called the pathologist to ask about how sure she was of the stage and grade. She then explained she was certain of the grade3 micropapillary, but it was staged at stage 2 only because she exhausted the material. At cystectomy it was actually stage 3A. Please don't think I am trying to say your case is understaged like that, what I am saying is that the pathologist can explain more than the dr can about how the path report actually is. That make sense?
Best wishes to you, I think it is good you are your own best advocate, Holly

Sorry, I hit "Post" before finishing. I was just saying that I owe over 10 times as much for my cysto this year as I did a couple of years ago.

So... Grade 2 and 6 weeks BCG ... or ... Grade 3 and CT scan, along with cysto and biopsies in operating room... TO BE CONTINUED

My heartfelt appreciation, again, for making me feel less alone in this.

Connie