[Possibilities and limitations of computed tomographic staging of bladder carcinoma]

A retrospective analysis of 27 proven cases of bladder cancer was made comparing the CT-results and the histopathological staging made at TUR and/or cystectomy or at autopsy. In about 80% of the cases a differentiation between tumors only infiltrating and those penetrating the bladder wall was possible. Tumors only involving the bladder wall could not be further differentiated by CT(T1S-T3a). In the more advanced stages wall edema and/or fibrous reactions of the paravesical tissue caused difficulties in staging. As a non-invasive procedure CT should be used to stage bladder tumors as it can give additional information about the paravesical soft tissue and thus contributes to the adequate management of the tumor.