(StatePoint) When John noticed blood in his urine, he consulted his doctor and was quickly referred to a urologist. (John is a composite character, based on the experiences of real-life patients.) John was diagnosed with bladder cancer using White Light Cystoscopy (WLC), a simple procedure for diagnosing non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).
While this is the traditional diagnostic approach in most urology offices, it has limitations that can affect patient outcomes. With WLC, it can be difficult to detect small lesions or flat lesions, such as carcinoma in situ (CIS). These missed tumors create the potential for cancer recurrence and the need for multiple transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) procedures.
John, like many patients who receive WLC, had residual tumors after his initial TURBT and underwent multiple procedures to remove them. John’s story is common and highlights the importance of accurate detection in early-stage bladder cancer. Fortunately, an enhanced procedure exists that significantly improves the visibility of bladder cancer lesions, especially hard-to-detect tumors like CIS.
Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLC) uses an FDA-approved imaging agent—not a dye—that makes cancer cells glow bright pink under blue light. The BLC procedure uses both white and blue lights to help achieve the best possible detection results. When fewer tumors are missed, it reduces the need for repeat procedures, while also offering a more complete picture of the tumor.