Have you ever wondered how doctors can accurately detect a disease, especially cancer, inside our bodies? Sometimes, they have to use special methods to find cells that are hidden very delicately, which are not detected by normal tests. Today, we are going to talk about a special liquid that comes to the rescue at such times, and is used for diagnosis. Its name is Hexaminolevulinate.
Simply put, what is Hexaminolevulinate?
This is not a cure for cancer. This is a diagnostic fluid. More precisely, it's a special dye that helps doctors see if there are cancer cells in your bladder.
Think of it like a detective using a special light to search for something in a dark room. When this liquid is injected into the bladder, if there are cancer cells, those cells will start to glow under a special blue light. This allows the doctor to easily identify cancer cells that are invisible to the naked eye. This procedure is called a blue light cystoscopy.
This is not a cure for cancer, but only a diagnostic agent that helps to accurately determine whether cancer is present.
How do you insert this into the body?
This is not a medication you can take home. This process takes place entirely in a hospital or clinic, under medical supervision.
1. First, a doctor or trained nurse will insert a very fine, thin tube (we call this a catheter ) through your urethra and into your bladder.
2. Then, Hexaminolevulinate liquid is instilled into the bladder through this catheter.
3. This liquid is left in the bladder for about an hour. During this time, if there are cancer cells, those cells will absorb this liquid.
4. After an hour, the doctor uses a special camera-equipped instrument called a cystoscope to look inside the bladder. At this time, when a special blue light is shone on it, the cancer cells that have absorbed the fluid glow pink.
This process is very helpful in detecting cancer at an early stage and in ensuring that the cancer cells have been completely removed.
Things to tell your doctor before treatment
Before you are referred for this procedure, it is extremely important to be clear about certain things with your doctor. Don't hide even the smallest thing, as it can greatly affect your safety.
| Matter to be informed | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Allergies you have | Tell us about any allergies you have to hexaminolevulinate, other medications, foods, or dyes. |
| If you are pregnant or expecting a baby | The doctor should decide whether it is appropriate to do these things during pregnancy or not. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | You need to be careful about whether this substance passes to the baby through milk or not. |
| If there is blood in the urine | Under these circumstances, the results of the test may vary. |
| If you have recently had chemotherapy for the bladder | Changes in the bladder walls due to recent treatment may affect the test. |
| If you have porphyria | This is a rare blood disorder. This substance is not suitable for such patients. |
Are there any side effects?
As with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects. But there's nothing to worry about. It's important to be aware of these.
| Things to report to your doctor or hospital staff immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reaction | Symptoms such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, and difficulty breathing. This is an emergency. |
| Things that are common but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Urinary tract inflammation or pain | It can be caused by the insertion of the catheter or by the examination. |
| A little blood in the urine | This may also last a day or two after the test. |
| Difficulty urinating | This may be due to temporary swelling of the bladder. |
Are there any problems with other medications?
Hexaminolevulinate has not been reported to cause problems with other medications. However, it is safest to tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, or supplements you are taking.
What happens if you overdose?
Since this is administered under the supervision of doctors, the chances of an 'overdose' occurring are very low. If such a thing is suspected, the medical staff will take the necessary measures immediately. In case of an emergency, the standard procedure is to inform the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
Take-Home Message
- Hexaminolevulinate is not a cancer drug. It is a diagnostic agent that helps identify bladder cancer cells.
- This test is only performed in a hospital or clinic by trained medical staff.
- Before the test, be sure to tell the doctor about all your allergies, whether you are pregnant, and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as facial swelling and difficulty breathing, consider it an emergency and seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any further questions about this, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor and resolve them.
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