Sonography in evaluation of carcinoma of bladder

Transabdominal ultrasonography of the bladder was performed in 25 examinations on 20 patients being treated for bladder carcinoma. The presence or absence of tumor was accurately gauged in all 20 patients. As compared to cystoscopy, tumor staging was less accurate. Eleven of 15 patients with tumor present were accurately staged. Edema, intravesicular clot, and tumor calcification caused overstaging of tumors. Poor bladder distensibility limited examinations. Three patients were followed up with serial examinations, and sonography accurately determined the response to therapy.