Ultrasonographic assessment of bladder tumors. I. Tumor detection.

A total of 37 patients with 71 bladder tumors underwent ultrasonographic examination in an attempt to evaluate its accuracy in detection of bladder tumors. Accurate detection depended on the size and location of the neoplasm. Bladder tumors less than 0.5 cm. in diameter, regardless of location, as well as those of any size located in the bladder neck or dome areas were difficult to detect. On the other hand, diagnostic accuracy was 95 per cent for tumors more than 0.5 cm. in size and situated on the posterior or lateral walls of the bladder. Thus, ultrasound is an additional diagnostic tool for detection of bladder tumors and is indicated in those cases in which cystoscopy could not be done or was not conclusive.