Indeterminate Bladder Lesion
An indeterminate bladder lesion is a finding on imaging where a growth, thickening, or abnormality in the bladder cannot be clearly identified as benign or malignant. These lesions may represent inflammation, infection, a benign polyp, or a tumor, and often require further evaluation. Many individuals have no symptoms, and the lesion is discovered incidentally during a scan performed for other concerns.
What is it?
An indeterminate bladder lesion is an abnormal area seen on imaging that does not have enough defining features to categorize it confidently. These lesions may appear as small masses, areas of wall thickening, or subtle irregularities. Possible causes include benign polyps, inflammation from infection, bladder stones, blood clots, or early bladder tumors. Because imaging alone cannot always distinguish between these possibilities, further evaluation is often recommended.
CT or MRI may suggest whether the lesion is solid, inflammatory, or associated with obstruction. However, cystoscopy—direct visualization of the bladder—is usually needed to confirm the diagnosis, especially when symptoms or risk factors for bladder cancer are present.
Important to Know
An indeterminate bladder lesion is not a diagnosis but a signal that more information is needed. Many lesions turn out to be benign, especially in younger individuals or those without risk factors such as smoking. When cancer is a possibility, early evaluation improves outcomes.
Red flag symptoms include visible blood in the urine, painful urination, frequent infections, or persistent pelvic pain. These warrant prompt evaluation. Follow-up imaging or cystoscopy may be recommended depending on the lesion’s size, appearance, and your medical history.