Newswise — Brick, NJ - Ocean Medical Center’s laboratory now performs special FISH UroVysion testing for the detection of bladder cancer. They are one of the only hospitals in the area to conduct testing on-site, which results in quicker turn-around time for results.

In the United States, bladder cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in men and the ninth most common cancer in women. Early attention is the best way to find and treat bladder cancer. The earlier bladder cancer is found, the easier it is to treat, and the better the chance of being cured.

The UroVysion Bladder Cancer Kit is the first FDA Approved urine-based molecular diagnostic test that aids in the initial diagnosis of bladder cancer in patients presenting with blood in the urine, while also monitoring for disease recurrence in previously diagnosed patients. The UroVysion test detects genetic abnormalities within cells of the bladder, which are known to be associated with bladder cancer. The test is used in combination with other tests and procedures as aids for a physician to make a diagnosis.

The most common sign of bladder cancer is visible blood in the urine. This important sign is sometimes ignored because it may be a small amount, which can lead to a delay in diagnosis. It is important to note that blood in the urine isn’t always associated with bladder cancer, and can be another condition such as urinary tract infection, kidney disease, or bladder or kidney stones. To find the cause of symptoms, it is important to see a physician immediately for evaluation.

“Ocean’s lab technicians completed national training and passed state proficiencies to be able to perform FISH UroVysion at the medical center,” says Anis Rangwala, M.D., department chair of pathology at Ocean Medical Center. “This is a great local resource that will help physicians get quicker results for their patients’ diagnoses and treatment plans.”

Patients can have their specimen collected at the outpatient labs at any of Meridian’s hospitals in Monmouth and Ocean counties, as well as the new lab at Meridian Health Village at Jackson and the Ocean Care Center in Point Pleasant. For more information about Ocean’s laboratory services, visit www.OceanMedicalCenter.com

About Ocean Medical CenterStanding out as a premier medical center along the Jersey Shore, Ocean Medical Center is home to exceptional talent, state-of-the-art technologies, and a growing medical campus, all surrounded by a community that offers quality of life for individuals and families of all ages. Ocean is a 315-bed non-profit community hospital located in Brick, New Jersey that provides health care programs and services in all major medical disciplines. Some key services include designation as a Primary Stroke Center; brain lab and neurological surgery; DaT Scan and advanced imaging technology; DaVinci robotic surgery; general, thoracic, and vascular surgery; comprehensive cancer care and radiation therapy technologies; a Joint Commission accredited orthopedic program; one of the nation’s most advanced cardiac catheterization laboratories and cardiac services; maternity, Acute Care of the Elderly, and critical care services. The Medical Center recently completed a four-level expansion that has transformed the campus through an $82 million project that sets a foundation for future decades of growth. The main component of the project is a new 44,300 sq. ft. Emergency Department. The Medical Center features Magnet award winning nurses who work in collaboration with the medical staff, and is a System Partner, along with the other Meridian Health facilities, with the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Ocean Medical Center also operates the state’s first Satellite Emergency Department in Point Pleasant, called the Ocean Care Center. The Medical Center has grown tremendously since opening in 1984 and is well positioned to evolve and respond to the changing community and health care landscape.