Summerlin Hospital Adds New Technology to Improve Detection of Certain Bladder Cancers
Las Vegas — In its ongoing commitment to the detection and treatment of cancer, Summerlin Hospital now offers Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview®, an optical imaging agent for the detection of papillary cancer of the bladder in patients with known or suspected bladder cancer. Cysview is the only FDA-approved imaging agent for use with blue-light cystoscopy.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 81,190 new cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in 2018, including an estimated 770 cases in Nevada. It is the fourth most common cancer in men and occurs mainly in adults over age 55.
“Some high grade, aggressive bladder tumors can be difficult to detect with conventional white light cystoscopy,” said Urologist Michael Verni, MD. “Timely detection and treatment of these tumors can improve cancer specific survival. Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview offers improved detection of potentially deadly bladder tumors compared to the white light cystoscopy.”
White light cystoscopy had been the gold standard for visualizing suspicious lesions during transurethral resection of bladder tumor.
In Blue-Light Cystoscopy with Cysview, the imaging solution (Cysview) is delivered into the bladder about an hour prior to the cystoscopy and is absorbed by cancerous tissue. After first using white light, the doctor then switches to blue light mode. Because of the imaging solution, other tumors that may be present become more visible, glowing bright pink under the blue light. This makes it easier for the urologist to identify and remove tumors.
Teri Koehler, bladder cancer survivor and co-founder of the Bladder Cancer Support Group that meets at Summerlin Hospital, knows firsthand how the Blue-Light Cystoscopy can benefit people. “Because of the Blue-Light, my urologist found two bladder tumors that weren’t visible under the white light, as well as one pre-cancerous tumor,” said Koehler. “The procedure itself is simple and by detecting tumors much earlier, it gives me peace of mind knowing this new technology is available.”
“Investing in technology like the Blue-Light Cystoscopy is an investment in our community’s health,” said Rob Freymuller, CEO of Summerlin Hospital. “We see this as another opportunity to improve the detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Southern Nevada, and to improve our patients’ quality of life.”