Tests for Bladder Cancer

If a screening test identifies you as being at risk, you may be given one or more of the following tests:

Cystoscopy (also called cystourethroscopy) - An examination in which a scope, a flexible tube, and viewing device is inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder and urinary tract for structural abnormalities or obstructions, such as tumors or stones. Samples of the bladder tissue may be removed through the cystoscope for examination under a microscope. This procedure is called a biopsy.

Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) - A series of x-rays of the kidney, ureters, and bladder with the injection of a contrast dye into the vein. This test is used to detect tumors, abnormalities, kidney stones, or any obstructions, and to assess renal blood flow. It may also be used to rule out other diseases or check for spread (metastasis) of the bladder cancer to other areas of the urinary tract.

Laboratory tests - Tests may be performed on urine to check for blood, chemicals, bacteria, and cells. Urine may be examined with a microscope or grown in a culture to check for infection. Cancerous cells may be detected using the microscope.

Bladder tumor marker studies - Tests may be performed to determine cellular characteristics and markers or substances released by bladder cancer cells into urine.

Monitoring

Whatever treatment you may have for bladder cancer, it is important to have periodic follow-up testing afterwards. Bladder cancer has a high rate of recurrence, so it is important to catch any new cancer as early as possible. Routine surveillance tests include urinary cytology (looking for new cancer cells in urine) and cystoscopy, which is typically performed every 3 months following treatment of early stage cancer.