[Bladder tumors detected by transabdominal ultrasonography in the multiphasic health testing and services]

From August, 1989 to July, 1991, we carried out transabdominal ultrasonography for screening of abdominal and pelvic disease in regular health check-up at Mito Saiseikai Hospital. Of 5,706 screened examinees were ultrasonographically suspected of bladder tumor and subsequently received a cystoscopic examination. Cystoscopy confirmed bladder tumors in 9 of the 11 patients. Eight of the 9 cases showed no urological symptoms, while the remaining 1 case showed microscopic hematuria objectively. All of the 9 cases revealed a transitional cell carcinoma of low grade and low stage. The smallest tumor detected by ultrasonography was 5 mm in diameter. Transabdominal ultrasonography proved useful for diagnosis of the bladder tumor at its early stage in the mass screening. Therefore, it is recommended to perform lower abdominal ultrasonography as a routine examination of the multiphasic health testing and services.