Urinary bladder tumors studied by cystosonography. Part I: Detection.

Findings of excretory urography, the principal screening test for bladder tumors, do not accurately depict these tumors. In an attempt to assess the value of sonography in detecting bladder lesions, we used suprapubic sonography to examine 120 patients who presented with various lower urinary tract symptoms. Commercially available equipment was used. Ultrasound detected 16 of the 17 cases of bladder tumor that were confirmed by cystoscopy. In 14 of these, satisfactory images were obtained. Nontechnical factors that affect detection include size and location of the tumor, bladder distention, obesity of the patient, and the operator's skill. Blood clot, benign prostatic hypertrophy, cystitis, and bladder trabeculae can mimic bladder tumors. Sonography may be helpful as an initial screening test for patients suspected of having bladder tumors; however, further experience is needed before conclusions can be made.