What tests should be done for suspected bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is a common malignant tumor of the urinary system. Its incidence has increased year by year in recent years, seriously threatening human life and health. Many bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas account for a small proportion. Non-urothelial bladder tumors are relatively rare, and most are sarcomas.

1. Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is the most important and indispensable method for diagnosing bladder cancer. All patients suspected of bladder cancer should undergo cystoscopy and, if necessary, cystoscopic biopsy. During cystoscopy, attention should be paid to observing the size, location, number, shape, base and surrounding conditions of the tumor. During cystoscopy, attention should be paid to the presence of bladder diverticula, as sometimes the tumor is located in the diverticula. It should also be noted that the bladder mucosa that is normal to the naked eye may indicate the presence of carcinoma in situ.

2. Imaging examination

( 1) Ultrasound examination: Before cystoscopy, transabdominal ultrasound examination is performed to obtain a preliminary understanding of the condition of the urinary system. This is used as the initial screening for bladder cancer. During cystoscopy, transurethral ultrasound scanning can clearly show the tumor and bladder wall infiltration.

( 2) Intravenous pyelography (IVP): Since transitional cell carcinoma is prone to direct and multi-center disease, bladder cancer patients should be aware of any abnormalities in the upper urinary tract. Therefore, IVP can not only understand bilateral renal function, but also detect complications of the upper urinary tract.

( 3) Cystography: When the tumor is large, it can show the filling and emptying caused by the tumor and understand the capacity of the bladder. It is helpful for diagnosis and treatment planning when the tumor is large and the cystoscope cannot see the whole picture. When the tumor is small, cystography often shows no blue.