Researchers are continually working to detect and diagnose bladder cancer as early as possible, leading to improved outcomes, faster responses and fewer side effects.
It's important to see your doctor if you think you are experiencing symptoms of bladder cancer.
Diagnosing bladder cancer
If bladder cancer is suspected, your OSUCCC – James expert will examine you and record your medical history and any symptoms and risk factors you may have. These experts may also conduct the following tests to form a diagnosis:
Exam under anesthesia (EUA)
An exam to check the vagina or rectum for any lumps or unusual tissue abnormalities. This would usually be performed at the same time as a transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) procedure that is used to diagnose and stage bladder cancer.
Urinalysis
Urine color and contents are checked for the presence of bacteria and red or white blood cells.
Urine cytology
A urine sample is examined under a microscope to look for any unusual or abnormal cells.
Cystoscopy
A cystoscope (a thin, tube-like instrument) is used to look inside the bladder and urethra to check for any abnormal areas. If tissue samples are needed, they can be removed during this procedure.
CT urogram
This test uses a series of images captured by a CT machine and examines the urinary system including kidneys, ureters and bladder to check for cancer. A contrast dye is used during this procedure to help the OSUCCC – James expert see any blockages.
Biopsy
A piece of tissue or tumor is removed from the body so that a specially trained OSUCCC – James pathologist can examine the cells under a microscope for any signs of cancer.
Determining the extent of a bladder cancer diagnosis
In addition to the diagnostic testing methods for bladder cancer listed above, your doctor may order other tests to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasized) or to confirm specific characteristics (such as size) about your tumor.
Some of these tests may include:
- CT scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- PET scan
- Chest X-ray
- Bone scan
These tests will then help your doctor stage your tumor. Staging refers to determining the progression of the cancer.
If you are diagnosed with bladder cancer, staging is just one of many ways your OSUCCC – James cancer experts can determine the amount and location of your cancer, and it can help them choose the most effective, personalized treatment options for you.
Bladder cancer may be classified as one of five stages:
Stage Ta (papillary carcinoma and carcinoma in situ)
Abnormal cells are found in tissue that lines the inside of the bladder. These abnormal cells may become cancer and spread into nearby normal tissue.
The earliest stage of bladder cancer is divided into stage Ta and stage Tis, depending on the type of the tumor:
- Stage Ta is also called papillary carcinoma, and it may look like tiny mushrooms growing from the lining of the bladder.
- Stage Tis is also called carcinoma in situ (CIS), and it is a flat tumor on the tissue lining the inside of the bladder.
Stage I
In stage I, cancer has formed and spread to the layer of connective tissue next to the inner lining of the bladder.
Stage II
In this stage, cancer has spread to the layers of muscle tissue of the bladder.
Stage III
In this stage, cancer has spread from the bladder to the layer of fat surrounding it and may have spread to the reproductive organs (prostate, seminal vesicles, uterus or vagina).
Stage IV
In stage IV, one or more of the following is true:
- Cancer has spread from the bladder to the wall of the abdomen or pelvis
- Cancer has spread to one or more lymph nodes
- Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lung, bone or liver
Related Resources
Bladder Cancer Symptoms and Causes
Bladder Cancer Treatment
Bladder Cancer Treatment Team