Photodynamic Diagnosis and Narrow-Band Imaging in the Management of Bladder Cancer: A Review.

BACKGROUND

Bladder cancer is the most common malignancy of the urinary tract. Its proper diagnosis and efficient treatment is still considered a challenge in urology today. White light cystoscopy is a gold standard for the diagnosis, follow-up, and endoscopic treatment of bladder cancer. To improve the efficacy of bladder cancer management, photodynamic diagnosis and narrow-band imaging have been introduced to the urological armamentarium.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

The article presents the current state of knowledge of technical solutions that are intended to improve the diagnosis and management of bladder cancer. A nonsystemic review of relevant PubMed literature was performed.

RESULTS

Photodynamic diagnosis and narrow-band imaging improve the detection of bladder cancer and decrease recurrence rates of bladder tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the high cost of the equipment may limit its introduction to everyday use, it is a cost-effective method of bladder cancer management for long-term follow-up.