Yes this is not uncommon at all . Transitional cell carcinoma can appear either as papillary or “mushroom “ like growths or as carcinoma in situ which is like a rash on the surface of the
bladder. Because it is not always as immediately obvious, CIS is sometimes missed during a TURB especially when papillary growths are also present. This is why standards of good medical practice often suggest a second TURB several weeks after the first.
In my case there were some unidentified area of “irritation “ noted in the path report and a second TURB changed the diagnosis from low grade to high grade. CIS is always high grade. I had a complete series of BCG (the treatment of choice for CIS) as well as maintenance treatments and am now almost 9 years cancer-free.
Your husband is very fortunate that this was discovered. Of course you will need to wait for the second TURB and the path report to be sure of the diagnosis. If it is indeed CIS it is very treatable when found early. Wishing you the best of luck
Sara Anne
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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