Detecting Bladder Cancer: Cystoscopy

October 16, 2024

What is a cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy is a procedure used to look inside the bladder and urethra. It helps doctors diagnose bladder cancer. During a cystoscopy, a thin flexible or rigid, lighted instrument called a cystoscope is inserted into the urethra. Tissue samples can be removed with the rigid cystoscope. Those samples can be removed and examined under a microscope to determine whether disease is present.

A cystoscopy (sis-TOS-kup-pee) is a procedure used to look inside the bladder and urethra. This procedure may be recommended if you experience blood in your urine or painful urination. It is the primary procedure urologists use to diagnose bladder cancer. During a cystoscopy, an instrument called a cystoscope is inserted into the urethra. A cystoscope is a thin tube-like device with a light and a viewing lens. A rigid cystoscope can also be used to collect tissue samples. Those samples can then be examined under a microscope to determine whether cancer is present.

Download our free information sheet: “What is a Cystoscopy?“

What to Expect During a Cystoscopy

Many doctors now have enhanced cystoscopy tools to help doctors see a difference between healthy tissue and cancer. They’re able to see bladder cancer tumors better at the time of bladder biopsy or TURBT (Trans Urethral Resection of a Bladder Tumor). It can help doctors find easily missed tumors. 

One method uses a special medicine your doctor places inside the bladder. Any cancer cells absorb the medicine. During cystoscopy, the urologist shines a special blue light on the bladder. With this blue light, the tumors that absorbed the medicine glow bright pink.

Bladder tumors tend to have an increased blood supply to feed them. The other enhanced cystoscopy method changes wavelengths of light from the cystoscope to find any areas with more blood vessels to better locate any tumors. 

Enhanced cystoscopies can help doctors better identify cancerous tumors in the bladder that may have been missed. Ask your doctor if they will used enhanced cystoscopy the next time they are checking your bladder or doing a TURBT. 

Learn more about bladder cancer by perusing our Glossary of Terms.

FAQ about cystoscopies

Are you put to sleep for a cystoscopy?

Cystoscopies can be performed with or without putting you to sleep, depending on the type of procedure and individual circumstances.

How painful is a cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy can cause some discomfort, but it is generally not considered extremely painful.

How long does a cystoscopy take?

A cystoscopy typically takes between 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of procedure and what needs to be done.

How long is recovery from a cystoscopy?

Recovery time from a cystoscopy can vary depending on the type of procedure and individual factors, like wheter doctors use a rigid or flexible cystoscope.

How much does a cystoscopy cost?

The cost of a cystoscopy for bladder cancer can vary significantly depending on factors like location, insurance coverage, and setting.

Ask your doctor if they will used enhanced cystoscopy the next time they are checking your bladder or doing a TURBT. 

Learn more about bladder cancer by perusing our Glossary of Terms.