USA Health Urologists shine light on enhancing visibility when identifying tumors

MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — Doctors at USA Health say bladder cancer is one of the most reoccurring cancers out there. Urologists at University Hospital are shining light on a blue light treatment that‘s enhancing visibility and greater certainty during a patient’s cystoscopy.

According to the latest data, USA Health says bladder cancer is the 8th most common cancer in Alabama. The blue light treatment is allowing doctors to see tumors faster and easier.

Dr. Christopher Keel, a urologist at USA Health tells NBC 15 that a Blue Light Cystoscopy is similar to one’s regular routine cystoscopy. But, there are some major differences that can change someone’s life.

“Essentially we use a drug called Cysview that binds to certain protein on a cancer cells, allows us use a certain type of light to make it bioluminous, it essentially glows in the dark so we can kind of turn the lights out and you’ll see a bright pink area where the cancer cells are,” Keel said.

Keel said there’s currently about 85,000 bladder cancer patients nation wide and roughly 17,000 new cases a year.

“We’re actually the only office on the Gulf Coast that has this available as an outpatient-procedure,” Keel added.

Blake Walker, a Surgical Sales Executive with Photocure said Blue Light Cystoscopy has been around for several years. They’ve been using it for about three years at USA Health. Walker said it’s even being used world wide and many patients enjoy being involved since it’s more of an interactive procedure.

“It mildly uncomfortable I would say just having something inserted into your body but once they’re looking at the video monitor screen and they’re seeing that there is no cancer or that they haven’t recurred from a past cancerous diagnosis, it means a lot to them,” Walker said.

According to Keel and Walker, insurance would cover the Blue Light Treatment just like they would a regular cystoscopy.