Bladder tumors detected by transabdominal ultrasonography in the multiphasic health testing and services

Abstract

From August, 1989 to July, 1991, we carried out transabdominal ultrasonography for screening of abdominal and pelvic disease in regular health check-up at Mito Saiseikai Hospital. Of 5,706 screened examinees were ultrasonographically suspected of bladder tumor and subsequently received a cystoscopic examination. Cystoscopy confirmed bladder tumors in 9 of the 11 patients. Eight of the 9 cases showed no urological symptoms, while the remaining 1 case showed microscopic hematuria objectively. All of the 9 cases revealed a transitional cell carcinoma of low grade and low stage. The smallest tumor detected by ultrasonography was 5 mm in diameter. Transabdominal ultrasonography proved useful for diagnosis of the bladder tumor at its early stage in the mass screening. Therefore, it is recommended to perform lower abdominal ultrasonography as a routine examination of the multiphasic health testing and services.