How is Bladder Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosing bladder cancer begins with a physical exam, urine tests, and imaging. A cystoscopy with biopsy is often needed to confirm the diagnosis and bladder cancer subtype.
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Bladder Cancer Subtypes and Stages
Bladder Cancer Subtypes
- Transitional cell carcinoma (or urothelial carcinoma)
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
- Small cell bladder cancer
- Sarcomatoid carcinoma
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Bladder Cancer Stages
- Stage I: The cancer is growing in the inner lining layer of the bladder only.
- Stage II: The cancer is growing into the inner or outer muscle layer of the bladder wall.
- Stage III: The cancer has grown beyond the muscle layer and into fatty tissue that surrounds the bladder.
- Stage IV: The cancer is growing outside of the pelvic region and has spread to distant sites, such as the lung, liver, or bones. When cancer has spread to other organs in the body, it is considered metastatic cancer.
Essential Bladder Cancer Testing
Testing helps determine cancer stage, assess risk and prognosis, personalize treatment, and monitor therapy effectiveness.
Testing Methods in Bladder Cancer
- Urinalysis & Urine Cytology: Examining urine for blood and cancer cells.
- Cystoscopy: A thin tube with a camera used to examine the bladder lining.
- Biopsy (TURBT – Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor): A sample of bladder tissue is removed to determine cancer type.
- Imaging Tests (CT, MRI, Ultrasound): Used to identify tumor size and spread.
- Molecular & Biomarker Testing: Identifies genetic mutations and markers that guide treatment choices.
Bladder Cancer Diagnosis & Testing Programs
Provides bladder cancer patients with key information to help them understand their role, empowering them to engage in their care and treatment decisions
Topics:
- Understanding Bladder Cancer and Your Role in Your Care
Provides bladder cancer patients with key information to help them understand their role, empowering them to engage in their care and treatment decisions
Topics:
Bladder Cancer Basics
Bladder Cancer Treatment Approaches
Planning for Your Bladder Cancer Doctor’s Visit
