The Austin Urology Institute would like to announce the next big step in the fight against bladder cancer: the arrival of Narrow Band Imaging in the Travis County Area.
As with any form of cancer, early detection is the most effective step in making a full recovery. However, with the Austin area’s current technology, standard white light cystoscopies, flat lesions, or carcinoma in situ, and smaller papillary tumors in the bladder can be missed. Glancing over any cancerous growths in initial exams could lead to misdiagnoses, or the cancer spreading and becoming more and more difficult to treat.
Narrow Band Imaging doesn’t just pass over the body with visible light, but uses blue and green wavelengths that literally cause tumor clusters to light up and stand out against the normal bladder tissue and highlight the blood vessels that may be feeding the growths.
A study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information in 2010 confirms that the NBI technology improves early detection- so we’re proud to be the first health center in Austin to implement this technology.
The NBI will be used in conjunction with two new camera systems implemented by head urologist, Dr. Koushik Shaw, to further the institute’s goal of early detection and treatment.
Bladder cancer is the sixth most commonly occurring in the United States, yet doctors are still not agreed on what exactly causes the disease. Smokers, those who work with dyes and paints, and metal workers may be at higher risk. If you notice blood in your urine, have frequent urinary tract infections, or experience frequent urination or burning without infection, contact your doctor for a referral.
The Austin Urology Institute is committed to performing to the utmost in regards to detection and care. With our new Narrow Band Imaging systems, we’re better armed in the fight against bladder cancer, and all the better equipped to aid you in the same.
Narrow Band Imaging (shown on the right) allows Dr. Shaw to spot smaller tumors that could be overlooked using previous technology.
Please call to schedule an appointment for preventative/follow-up care: 512-694-8888
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