Mike is right! (Mike is always right!) While the urologist may have some suspicions after cystoscopy the only definitive diagnosis comes after the path report is in. Cystoscopy allows shows him the areas he might want to concentrate on during the TURB. Mitomycin is just a precautionary procedure.
And, big or small, a tumor is tissue. You wouldn't want the doctor snipping at it unless you are under anesthesia! Occasionally, they will take a very small sample (very small and VERY shallow) during a cystoscopy, My uro did this once when, after a lot of BCG treatments, he saw lots of irritation in the bladder. He wanted to be sure that it was from the BCG. He was sure that it was, but wanted to check to we agreed that he could take a very small sample
. I survived it!
During the TURB, the urologist is trying to get a large enough sample to assure that there is some muscle and the entirety of the bladder layers. It is critical that he/she is able to assess not only IF there is cancer, but how far into the tissue it may have spread. Often you will be called back in several weeks for a repeat TURB
to recheck areas that may be uncertain.
Sara Anne