How to Test for Bladder Cancer

The bladder is a balloon-shaped organ located in the pelvic region. The main function of the bladder is to store urine. A person with cancer of the bladder will experience disruption in the lining of the bladder which interferes with urine storage. There are a variety of tests used to determine bladder cancer. 

• Cystoscopy. This procedure involves a physician placing a narrow tube through the urethra. This tube is called a cystoscope and is equipped with a lens that allows the doctor to view the inside of the urethra and bladder. A local anesthetic is usually given prior to the procedure in order to make the patient more relaxed.


• Biopsy. Sometimes a small cell sample is taken during the cytoscopy. The doctor will pass a tiny tube through the urethra into the bladder in order to collect the sample so that it may be submitted for testing. This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia.


• Urine cytology. This is when a urine sample is looked at underneath a microscope and tested for the presence of cancer cells.  


• Image testing. There are two different methods to conduct image testing. One procedure consists of a dye injection into the veins. This allows the doctor to analyze the structure of the urinary tract. The other procedure is called a pyelogram. This is when dye is used to highlight areas of the kidney, urethra and bladder. 


• CT Scan. The computerized tomography scan provides the doctor with a clear view inside the urinary tract and its surrounding tissues. This is one of the most popular methods of testing because it is a non-invasive procedure which requires no anesthesia.