Doctor Addresses UTI-Associated Bladder Cancer Risk
Insights from Dr. Kaushik Sarkar, Leading Urologist
Bladder cancer can often present subtly, and one overlooked risk factor is chronic urinary tract infection (UTI). Celebrated urologist Dr. Kaushik Sarkar recently highlighted this important link while managing a case of non-muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma in a 55-year-old male patient with a long-standing history of recurrent UTIs.
🧪 Case Overview
- Patient Profile: 55-year-old male with recurrent UTIs over several years
- Symptoms: Painless gross hematuria (blood in urine)
- Diagnosis: Cystoscopy revealed a bladder tumor, which was confirmed as non-muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma through biopsy
🎯 Treatment Approach
- Surgical Management: The patient underwent Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) to remove the lesion.
- Adjuvant Therapy: Post-surgery, Intravesical Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy was administered to minimize the risk of recurrence.
✅ Patient Outcome
At the 3-month cystoscopy follow-up, no tumor recurrence was observed. The patient was placed under a regular surveillance program with cystoscopy and ultrasound every 3 months to ensure continued monitoring.
💡 Medical Insight
Dr. Sarkar emphasized that chronic or recurrent UTIs can lead to persistent bladder inflammation, potentially increasing the risk of developing bladder cancer over time.
He reinforced that TURBT combined with BCG therapy remains the gold standard for treating non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, ensuring high success rates when detected early.
🩺 Takeaway
This case underlines the importance of vigilant monitoring in patients with chronic UTIs. Early evaluation and timely intervention can make a life-saving difference.
Dr. Kaushik Sarkar’s expert management showcases the power of advanced urological care in achieving successful outcomes and improving patient quality of life.