BLADDER CANCER WITH DISTANT METASTASES OR INOPERABLE OR UNRESECTABLE

Adenocarcinoma of the Bladder; Bladder Carcinoma; Invasive Bladder Cancer; Invasive Bladder Carcinoma; Squamous Cell Cancer of the Bladder; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder; Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder; Urinary Cancer; Urinary Carcinoma; Urothelial Cancer;

Bladder Cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the bladder. Most bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas. Other types include squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The cells that form carcinoma develop in the inner lining of the bladder, maybe as a result of chronic irritation and inflammation. Cancer that begins in the transitional cells may spread through the lining of the bladder and invade the muscle wall of the bladder or spread to nearby organs and lymph nodes. This is called Invasive Bladder Cancer.

Diagnostic testing: Bladder cancer is diagnosed by:

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  Physical exam and history;

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  Computerized tomography (CT) scan;

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  Urinalysis;

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  Intravenous pyelogram (IVP);

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  Cystoscopy (examination of urinary tract);

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  Biopsy; and/or

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  Urine cytology (microscopic study of cells).

The following may also be used to determine if the cancer has spread:

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  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI);

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  Chest x-ray; and/or

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  Bone scan.

Physical findings: Individuals with bladder cancer may present with irritative bladder symptoms such as urinary frequency or urgency and hematuria. Flank pelvic or bony pain may be present.

ICD-9: 188.9

If the cancer is inoperable or unresectable, treatment with radiation and/or chemotherapy can be utilized for palliation, but the prognosis is poor.

Treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and biologic therapy. Surgical options may include transurethral resection (TUR), radical cystectomy, segmental cystectomy, or urinary diversion. Some patients may receive chemotherapy after surgery. This post-surgical treatment is referred to as adjuvant therapy.

Suggested MER for Evaluation:

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  A pathology report and an operative report stating that the tumor is inoperable or unresectable are the preferred methods for documentation;

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  Clinical history and examination that describes the diagnostic features of the impairment; and

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  In the absence of these reports, the adjudicator may use a physician's opinion that indicates the cancer is inoperable or unresectable based on described objective findings.

“Inoperable” refers to a physician's opinion that surgery would not be beneficial based on a review of imaging studies, laboratory results, and physical examination findings.

“Unresectable” cancer is established when the operative report indicates that the cancer is not completely removed or the pathology report notes that the surgical specimen has positive margins.

Suggested Listings for Evaluation:

REMARKS

Bladder cancer that is inoperable or unresectable meets the criteria in 13.22 C.

Bladder cancer with metastases to or beyond the regional lymph nodes, meets the criteria in 13.22 D.