What are the bladder cancer examination items

When bladder cancer patients see a doctor, some doctors will perform a rectal digital examination. For female patients, a pelvic examination is also required to determine whether the bladder tumor is palpable and whether it has invaded the bladder. Regardless of the disease, as long as we have an examination, we should consult the doctor in advance to understand what he or she will do in advance during the examination. Other common examinations are described below.

(1) CT examination: Check the abdomen and pelvis to understand the extent of the tumor, whether it has invaded the surrounding rectum, uterus, vagina, etc., and whether there is local lymph node metastasis.
(2) Urine analysis: examination of urine color, sugar content, blood cells, bacteria and other indicators.
(3) Intravenous pyelography: Contrast agent is injected into the vein. As the contrast agent flows through the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, X-rays of these organs are taken to see if there is any blockage or space-occupying phenomenon, thereby determining whether cancer cells have invaded these organs.
(4) Cystoscopy: A cystoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to examine the inside of the organ. If necessary, a biopsy can be performed.
(5) Biopsy: Biopsy is often performed during bladder examination to examine the cancer cells under a microscope. In the early stages of cancer, the entire tumor can also be removed during the biopsy.
(6) Urine cytology: Look for tumor cells in urine samples.
(7) Ultrasound examination of the kidneys: Ultrasound examination is used to check whether the kidneys are affected by the tumor.
If necessary, chest X-ray, chest CT and bone scintigraphy can also be performed.