Stage T1 Bladder Papillary Urothelial Carcinoma

What is Stage T1 Bladder Papillary Urothelial Carcinoma?

Stage T1 bladder papillary urothelial carcinoma is a type of bladder cancer. It is the most common type of bladder cancer and affects cells that line the interior wall of the urinary bladder. Bladder papillary urothelial carcinoma is a transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Stage T1 is the earliest stage of bladder cancer.

Stage T1 bladder papillary urothelial carcinoma is defined as having a tumor limited to the mucosa without invading the muscle layer, with a maximum depth of invasion of 5mm.

Symptoms of Stage T1 Bladder Papillary Urothelial Carcinoma

Stage T1 bladder papillary urothelial carcinoma often has no obvious symptoms. Patients may experience mild bladder irritation and/or hematuria (blood in the urine). However, patients can also experience no symptoms at all, making it difficult to diagnose without an imaging examination.

Diagnosing Stage T1 Bladder Papillary Urothelial Carcinoma

Stage T1 Bladder Papillary Urothelial Carcinoma is usually diagnosed using imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cystoscopic examination (meaning an examination of the bladder via an endoscope placed through the urethra). Biopsy is the only definitive way to diagnose bladder cancer.

Treatment of Stage T1 Bladder Papillary Urothelial Carcinoma

The standard treatment for Stage T1 bladder papillary urothelial carcinoma is surgery. Depending on the size of the tumor, the type of surgery will vary. Usually, a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is performed. In this procedure, a cystoscope is inserted into the urethra, and the tumor is then cut away with specialized instruments. Other surgeries, such as a partial cystectomy (removal of part of the bladder), may also be necessary depending on the location and size of the tumor.

In addition to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation may also be used depending on the size and aggressiveness of the tumor. Immunotherapy, as well as newer targeted therapies, may also be options for treatment.

Prognosis of Stage T1 Bladder Papillary Urothelial Carcinoma

The prognosis for Stage T1 bladder papillary urothelial carcinoma is excellent. If the tumor is completely removed, usually the subsequent 5-year recurrence rate is low. Patients should still have regular check-ups and screenings to monitor for any recurrence of the cancer.