How is bladder cancer diagnosed?
A number of tests may be performed to investigate symptoms of bladder cancer and confirm a diagnosis. Some of the more common tests include:
- a physical examination of the body which may include an internal exam of the vagina or rectum to check for lumps
- urine testing looking for blood or infection in the bladder, and examination of urine under a microscope1
- imaging of the bladder and nearby organs, which may include ultrasound, X-ray, computerised tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – this may include getting a dye injected into a vein to help the imaging detect possible cancers1,2
- examination of the inside of the bladder using a camera on a thin tube inserted into the urethra (cystoscope)
- removal of a small sample of tissue from the bladder wall (biopsy) for examination under a microscope.
Staging of bladder cancer
If you are diagnosed with bladder cancer, you might have more tests to determine the stage of the disease and whether the cancer has spread in the bladder or to other organs or lymph nodes. Knowing the stage of the disease helps your medical team plan the best treatment for you.
The stages of bladder cancer can be complex. To determine the cancer’s stage, doctors will check:
- how far the cancer has grown into the lining of the bladder wall
- whether the cancer has spread to nearby tissues and organs
- whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs.
