DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder with biopsy proven muscle invasion suitable for resection leaving no residual visible or palpable tumor mass Unifocal No greater than 5 cm Stages II and III (T2-T3a, N0-NX, M0) No prior treatment for bladder cancer other than endoscopic resection, intravesical chemotherapy, or intravesical immunotherapy