PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is the treatment for stage O bladder cancer?

1. Surgical resection

2. Radical cystectomy

3. Bladder chemotherapy

4. Transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB)

The correct answer is: Bladder chemotherapy

The treatment for stage O bladder cancer, which is characterized as non-invasive papillary carcinoma, typically involves transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB). This procedure allows for the removal of cancerous tissue from the bladder wall while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. TURB is effective in managing localized tumors and is often followed by surveillance to monitor for any recurrence. In contrast, surgical resection and radical cystectomy are more appropriate for more advanced stages of bladder cancer where the tumor invades deeper layers of the bladder or spreads beyond the organ. Bladder chemotherapy is usually considered in conjunction with TURB or as part of a regimen for more advanced disease but not as the initial treatment for stage O. The role of chemotherapy primarily involves addressing tumors that are higher risk for progression after surgical interventions or in cases where the cancer has advanced beyond the initial diagnosis.