Bladder Cancer

How is bladder cancer diagnosed?

Tests and procedures used to diagnose bladder cancer may include: 

• Blood and urine tests: to help diagnose the bladder cancer or identify other conditions that may be causing the symptoms such as an enlarged prostate, urinary tract infection or kidney stones. 
• Cystoscopy: This is the most common and reliable test for bladder cancer. During a cystoscopy, a thin tube with a camera on the end is inserted through the urethra to allow the doctor to examine the urethra and bladder for signs of disease. 
• Biopsy: During the cystoscopy, the doctor may pass a special tool through the scope and into your bladder to collect a cell sample (biopsy) for testing. This procedure is sometimes called transurethral resection. The cells are sent to the pathologist who will examine them under the microscope so that a diagnosis can be made. 
  
• Urine cytology: A sample of your urine is analyzed under a microscope to check for cancer cells in a procedure called urine cytology. 
• Imaging tests: The most common imaging test for bladder cancer is computerized tomography (CT) urogram. During a CT urogram, a contrast dye is injected into a vein in your hand and eventually flows into your kidneys, ureters and bladder. The contrast dye provides a detailed view to help identify any areas where there might be cancer.