Bladder Cancer Diagnosis
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Receiving a diagnosis of bladder cancer can be frightening. However, many people are in your same situation, looking for a way to rid the cancer and continue on with everyday life. This is why at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) we back your fight against bladder cancer in a variety of ways. Our doctors will examine your particular health issues and treat you according to your wishes.
At CTCA, you are at the center of your care. Our cancer experts will educate you regarding your bladder cancer treatment options. And, unlike some cancer care facilities, we consider the whole-person during treatment.
As you undergo conventional bladder cancer treatment, you will also receive various complementary therapies, such as nutrition and naturopathic medicine. Our goal is to provide you with the tools, as well as the hope and strength, you need to renew your fight against bladder cancer.
Diagnostic Tests, Tools, & Procedures for Bladder Cancer
To plan your bladder cancer treatment, your CTCA care team may use any number of the following diagnostic tests, tools, and procedures:
- Physical exam - Your doctor may conduct a physical exam and ask about your health history and your family’s health history. During the exam, your doctor will feel your abdomen and pelvis and may also conduct a rectal or vaginal exam.
- Urine tests – Your doctor may order a urinalysis to check for cancerous cells or blood in the urine.
- Intravenous pyelogram – During this procedure, your doctor will inject dye into a blood vessel. This will make the bladder, kidneys, and ureters visible on x-rays.
- Cystoscopy – During this procedure, your doctor will insert a lighted tube through the urethra to examine the bladder while you are under general anesthesia. The doctor will also likely take a biopsy or tissue sample during this time to check for cancerous cells. Another test, referred to as a urine cytology test, may accompany the procedure. Similar to a urine culture, urine washed from the bladder during the cystoscopy is sent to the lab for examination.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – This imaging technology uses radiofrequency waves to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
- Ultrasound – This technology uses sound waves to produce echoes of your internal organs and tissues. The echoes that tumors produce are different than those of healthy tissues.
- CT scan (computerized tomography) – This scan uses many X-ray images to show detailed images of soft tissue organs so that your doctor can assess how to best serve your needs.
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