BLOOD IN URINE LEADS TO BLADDER CANCER DIAGNOSIS IN MALE PATIENT

Bladder cancer often develops silently and is commonly discovered during evaluations for hematuria (blood in urine). When diagnosed early, bladder cancer has a high cure rate and favorable prognosis. However, due to hesitation or discomfort with urological check-ups, many patients delay medical visits, resulting in late-stage detection and more complex treatment.

Mr. T.L.C., a 60-year-old resident of Ho Chi Minh City, came to Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital with complaints of dull lower abdominal pain, significant fatigue, and blood in the urine, but without fever or signs of urinary tract infection.

Following diagnostic tests, Dr. Le Van Hieu Nhan, Specialist Level II, Deputy Head of the General Surgery & Urology Department, performed a cystoscopy and discovered a large, cauliflower-like tumor occupying almost the entire bladder, with suspected malignancy. The tumor had already invaded the seminal vesicles and prostate. Without timely surgical removal, the tumor would continue growing, potentially blocking urinary flow and causing significant pain and discomfort.

“In early stages, tumors are confined to the bladder’s inner lining and haven’t yet invaded the muscular wall, making them suitable for treatment with transurethral resection”, explained Dr. Nhan.

“However, in later stages, treatment becomes more challenging and may require complete bladder removal (radical cystectomy). If this patient had been diagnosed earlier, we might have avoided bladder removal, and his treatment and recovery would have been much simpler with a better long-term prognosis. That’s why patients should never delay treatment once a diagnosis is confirmed”.

A surgical team led by Dr. Le Van Hieu Nhan, Specialist Level II along with Dr. Quach Tuan Khang and Dr. Nguyen Truong Minh, performed a laparoscopic radical cystectomy, including lymph node dissection and complete cancer excision. A segment of the patient’s small intestine was then used to create a urinary diversion (ileal conduit). During surgery, the tumor was found to be massive (14×9 cm), occupying almost the entire right bladder, invading the bladder neck and prostatic urethra.

Thanks to the minimally invasive approach, the patient recovered well, resumed eating and walking normally, and was discharged just five days after surgery.

Bladder cancer is a malignant tumor of the urinary tract, with men being three times more likely than women to develop the disease. Risk factors include smoking, prolonged exposure to industrial chemicals, and chronic bladder inflammation. If diagnosed early, bladder cancer has a relatively high cure rate.

Doctors strongly recommend regular health check-ups, especially for individuals aged 40 to 70. If you experience any symptoms such as blood in urine, frequent urination, painful urination, or urgency, it’s essential to seek evaluation at a specialized urology or oncology center for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital accepts both public health insurance and private health insurance.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital

No. 88, Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.

Hotline: 18006767

info@nih.com.vn

BRC: No. 0312088602, issued on December 14th, 2012 by the Department of Planning and Investment of Ho Chi Minh City. Medical Examination and Treatment License No. 230/BYT-GPHĐ, issued by the Ministry of Health.