Bladder Cancer

Diagnosis

Accurate and early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment of bladder cancer. The following tests may be used to diagnose bladder cancer:

Urine Test
A laboratory analysis of a urine sample may reveal the presence of cancer cells. In 1999, Mayo Clinic researchers began evaluating the potential of using urine tests to detect the presence of the enzyme telomerase. This enzyme is active in malignant cancer cells, but inactive in normal cells. A Mayo Clinic study found that cytology may be only 40 percent sensitive in detecting bladder cancer. The researchers believe telomerase testing to be 70 percent sensitive.

Kidney X-ray
A special X-ray known as intravenous pyelography (IVP) shows an image of the kidneys and lower urinary tract, including the bladder. A contrast agent injected in the arm travels through the kidneys, urinary tract and bladder, allowing doctors to see abnormalities or tumors on a series of X-rays.

Cystoscopy
This procedure involves the insertion of a narrow tube (cystoscope) through the channel that carries urine out of the body (urethra). At the end of the cystoscope, a special lens and fiber-optic lighting system allows the doctor to visually inspect the urethra and bladder. The cystoscope also allows the doctor to remove a small tissue sample (biopsy) for laboratory analysis.