Associate Professor, Doctor Do Truong Thanh, Head of Urology Surgery Department at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, provided details on 14/9 about a recent case. The patient's bladder tumor had a 5 cm wide base, its surface covered with numerous calcium deposits, and had deeply invaded the bladder muscle wall by penetrating the mucous membrane. This extensive damage suggested that the malignant cells had been developing silently for a considerable period.

The patient underwent total bladder removal surgery combined with urinary tract reconstruction. *Photo: Hospital provided*

Early detection could have led to a less invasive procedure. Had the patient sought medical attention sooner, when the tumor was localized on the bladder's surface, doctors could have used an endoscope through the urethra to remove it, preserving the bladder. However, the tumor's deep invasion in this case left the surgical team with no option but to remove the entire organ.

The surgical team performed a total bladder removal to eradicate the cancer, followed by the reconstruction of a new urinary pathway. A fortunate aspect of the procedure was that the tumor was distant from the bladder neck, enabling the preservation of a healthy segment of the urethra, the tube responsible for carrying urine out of the body.

Following the bladder removal, surgeons fashioned an artificial bladder using a segment of the small intestine. This neobladder was then connected to the preserved urethra, allowing the patient to urinate naturally. The patient has shown good post-operative recovery and remains under hospital observation.

Bladder cancer commonly originates in the mucous membrane lining the bladder, with a higher incidence in men than women. Tobacco smoke is identified as the primary cause. Additionally, individuals with regular exposure to industrial chemicals, dyes, rubber, or metal dust face an elevated risk and should consistently use personal protective equipment.

Blood in the urine serves as the earliest warning sign of bladder cancer. This bleeding is often intermittent and typically does not cause pain or stinging, which unfortunately leads many patients to disregard it. Doctor Thanh strongly advises that anyone observing red or pink discoloration in their urine, even a single instance, should seek immediate examination at a specialized hospital. Early consultation is crucial for protecting one's life and preserving bladder function.

Le Nga