Accurate diagnosis is essential to choosing the optimal treatment for your type and stage of bladder cancer. The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. In some cases, the blood can only be seen under a microscope.
Several tests and procedures may be done to check the bladder for cancer:
- Urinalysis: a urine test, which can check for the presence of any blood or other abnormalities
- Cystoscopy: a procedure that allows doctors to look directly at the inside of the bladder to check for tumors or abnormal growths
- Urine cytology: a lab test in which a sample of urine is examined under a microscope, which can identify cancer cells
- Urine biomarker tests: newer urine tests that examine gene changes, which can aid in the detection of bladder cancer (eg NMP22 BladderChek, Cxbladder)
- CT Urogram: a special type of CT scan that uses x-rays and intravenous contrast to check for cancer in the kidneys, bladder, or ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder)
