Our Summary

This research paper investigates a very rare type of benign (non-cancerous) tumor that affects the urinary bladder. These tumors are neurogenic, meaning they originate from nerve cells. They are difficult to diagnose because they are so rare and can look similar to other diseases when studied under a microscope, especially when using small samples taken by a needle biopsy.

Seven cases of these tumors were studied, collected from medical records at Seoul National University Hospital between 2000 and 2016. The tumors were of four different types: ganglioneuromas, schwannomas, neurofibromas, and granular cell tumors.

The study found that initial diagnoses based on clinical symptoms and radiology were often incorrect. For instance, one infant was initially diagnosed with a type of cancer (rhabdomyosarcoma), but was later found to have a ganglioneuroma. Two cases of ganglioneuromas were initially misdiagnosed as neurofibromas.

All patients had their tumors locally removed through surgery. One patient with a granular cell tumor experienced pain due to the tumor growing back. Another patient with a neurofibroma had a lesion appear 34 months after his first operation, and despite repeated operations, was diagnosed with a malignant (cancerous) transformation of the tumor after 8 years.

The study concludes that better understanding of these rare tumors and sharing experiences with them are needed to improve diagnosis accuracy.

FAQs

  1. What types of tumors were studied in this research?
  2. Why are these types of tumors difficult to diagnose?
  3. What was the outcome for the patients whose tumors were removed through surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tumor resection is to make sure to follow up regularly with their healthcare team after the surgery. This is important to monitor for any signs of the tumor growing back or any potential complications. It is also important to communicate any new symptoms or concerns to the healthcare team so they can be addressed promptly. Additionally, staying informed about the specific type of tumor and its characteristics can help the patient advocate for their own health and make informed decisions about their care.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended tumor resection are those with tumors that are causing symptoms such as pain, obstruction of normal bodily functions, or are suspected to be cancerous. In the case of neurogenic tumors of the urinary bladder, surgical resection was found to be the most effective treatment option. However, it is important to accurately diagnose the type of tumor in order to provide the most appropriate treatment and prevent potential complications such as tumor regrowth or malignant transformation. In cases where the tumor is benign and causing symptoms, surgical resection may be recommended to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications. It is important for healthcare providers to have a thorough understanding of rare tumors like neurogenic tumors of the urinary bladder in order to provide the best possible care for patients.

Timeline

  • Before tumor resection:
  1. Patients experience symptoms such as pain, urinary issues, or abnormal growth in the bladder.
  2. Initial diagnoses based on clinical symptoms and radiology may be incorrect, leading to potential misdiagnosis.
  3. Patients undergo tests such as needle biopsies to determine the nature of the tumor.
  4. Surgery is recommended for tumor removal.
  • After tumor resection:
  1. Patients undergo surgery to locally remove the tumor.
  2. Some patients may experience pain or complications after the surgery.
  3. Follow-up appointments and imaging tests are scheduled to monitor for any recurrence or complications.
  4. In some cases, patients may require additional surgeries if the tumor grows back or undergoes malignant transformation.
  5. Research and sharing of experiences with rare tumors are needed to improve diagnosis accuracy and treatment outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of tumor do I have and what does that mean for my treatment and prognosis?
  2. What are the risks and benefits of tumor resection surgery in my specific case?
  3. How experienced are you in performing tumor resection surgeries for my type of tumor?
  4. What is the expected recovery time after the surgery and what kind of follow-up care will I need?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider besides surgery?
  6. What are the chances of the tumor returning or spreading after surgery?
  7. Will I need any additional tests or treatments before or after the surgery?
  8. Are there any potential complications or side effects I should be aware of?
  9. Can you provide me with information about support groups or resources for patients with rare tumors like mine?
  10. How can I best prepare for the surgery and what should I expect during the recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Lee C, Kim B, Song B, Park JH, Moon KC. Journal: Int J Surg Pathol. 2018 May;26(3):221-228. doi: 10.1177/1066896917742722. Epub 2017 Nov 26. PMID: 29172920