Bladder cancer

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Cystoscopy

Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

While most of the symptoms listed below can be associated with bladder cancer, they can also be associated with non-cancerous conditions. Nevertheless, medical evaluation is critical.

• Blood in the urine
• Urinary frequency
• Painful urination
• Urinary urgency

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• Urinary incontinence
• Bone pain or tenderness
• Abdominal pain
• Anemia
• Weight loss
• Lethargy (tiredness)

A physical examination will be performed, including a rectal and pelvic exam.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Urinalysis
• Urine cytology (microscopic exam of urine to look for cancerous cells)
• Cystoscopy (use of lighted instrument to view inside of bladder)
• Bladder biopsy (usually performed during cystoscopy)
• Intravenous pyelogram - IVP (to evaluate upper urinary tract for tumors or blockage)

Review Date: 12/01/2005
Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.