Diagnostic tests for bladder cancer

If you have symptoms of bladder cancer such as blood in your urine, you should make an appointment with your GP.

Your GP may ask about your symptoms, family history and whether you’ve been exposed to any possible causes of bladder cancer, such as smoking or contact with certain chemicals.

In some cases, your GP may request a urine sample, so it can be tested in a laboratory for traces of blood, infections or abnormal cells.

If your GP is not sure what is causing your symptoms, they will usually refer you to a specialist centre where they specialise in urinary problems. 

What tests may I have?

Blood Tests

You may have blood tests to check how well your kidneys and liver are working and to show the number of blood cells in the blood.

Cystoscopy

A Cystoscopy is the main test used to diagnose bladder cancer. A nurse or doctor will examine the inside of your bladder by passing a thin tube with a camera and light at the end (cystoscope) through your urethra (the tube through which you urinate). Before having a cystoscopy, a local anaesthetic gel is applied to help with any pain and let the cystoscope to pass more easily. Whilst the procedure usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes, you may be in the department for a few hours.

Imaging Scans

You may be offered a CT scan or an MRI scan if the specialist feels they need a more detailed picture of your bladder. An intravenous (IV) urogram may also be used to look at your whole urinary system before or after treatment for bladder cancer.

During this procedure, dye is injected into your bloodstream and X-rays are used to study it as it passes through your urinary system.

Transurethral resection of a bladder tumour (TURBT)

If abnormalities are found in your bladder during a cystoscopy, you should be offered an operation known as TURBT. This is so any abnormal areas of tissue can be removed and tested for cancer (a biopsy). TURBT is carried out under general anaesthesia.

Sometimes, a sample of the muscle wall of your bladder is also taken to check whether the cancer has spread. This may be a separate operation within 6 weeks of the first biopsy.

You should also be offered a dose of chemotherapy after the operation. This may help to prevent the bladder cancer returning, if the removed cells are found to be cancer.

Waiting for results

Waiting for test results can be a worrying time. You may find it helpful to talk to someone about how you are feeling. 

It can take a few weeks for test results to be ready. Many people feel anxious during this time.

You may feel like you have no control over what is going to happen to you. The waiting period might feel very long and the future may feel  uncertain.

There is no right or wrong way to deal with these feelings. Some people find it helps to carry on with normal activities as much as possible. Continuing with everyday activities, such as going to work, can be a welcome distraction from worrying. Other people may feel they cannot concentrate on anything else.

Some people look for more information about cancer during this time. Searching for information can help you feel more in control while you wait for your results. However, if you are not sure of the diagnosis, some information can be confusing and upsetting.

It may be better to wait until a diagnosis is made before looking for more information. If you do decide to find out more, it is a good idea to make sure the information is from a reliable source.

You may find it helpful to talk with your partner, family or a close friend. Your specialist nurse can also provide support.