Primary stage Ta papillary tumors
What are Primary Stage TA Papillary Tumors?
Primary stage TA papillary tumors are rare tumors that form in the outer layers of the bladder. They are often benign, but need to be closely monitored and treated as needed, as they can potentially spread to the bladder’s inner layers.
Symptoms of TA Papillary Tumors
The majority of primary stage TA papillary tumors are asymptomatic, but if left untreated can lead to some symptoms, including:
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty urinating
- Bladder or abdominal pain
- Blood in the urine
Diagnosis and Treatment of TA Papillary Tumors
Primary stage TA papillary tumors are typically diagnosed by a urine cytology screening. This test looks for abnormal cells in the bladder that might be an indicator of the tumor. If the cytology screening comes back positive for a TA papillary tumor, a cystoscopy may be necessary to make a definitive diagnosis. A cystoscopy is an invasive procedure that involves threading a device equipped with a camera up the urethra and into the bladder to get a better view of the tumor.
Treatment for a TA papillary tumor will depend on the size and severity of the tumor. Small and mild tumors may be treated with careful observation. In cases where the tumor is large or has spread, surgery may be necessary to remove it. In both cases, regular follow ups to monitor the tumor’s growth are important.