Bladder Cancer Screening

Bladder cancer is one of the ten most frequently diagnosed types of cancer. Screening could identify high-grade bladder cancer at earlier stages even if there are no symptoms, when it may be more easily and effectively treated.

There are different tests used to screen for bladder cancer in patients, including cystoscopy, urine cytology, and urinalysis.

Cystoscopy

This procedure uses a cystoscope, which is a thin tube with a light and a lens for viewing. This procedure looks inside the bladder and urethra to check for abnormal areas. The cystoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. Fluid is used to fill the bladder. The doctor uses a TV monitor to look at an image of the inner wall of the bladder, and may take tissue sample for biopsy.

Urine Cytology

This test looks for bladder cancer by examining the urine under a microscope for cancer cells. While this procedure does find some cancers, it is not reliable enough to make a good screening test.

Urinalysis

Urinalysis is used to detect the cancer at an early stage by checking for blood in the urine (hematuria). Hematuria is usually caused by non-cancerous conditions such as infections, but it can be the first sign of bladder cancer. Large amounts of blood in the urine can easily be seen, but a urinalysis test is needed to find smaller amounts.

If you need to be screened for bladder cancer in Los Angeles, schedule your screening with one of the urologists at La Peer today.

See also, Department of Urology.

Doctors

Dr. Kia Michel, MD
Kia Michel, MD
Dr. Michel is a renown and highly accomplished Urologist who has dedicated his career to providing state of the art care for his patients with a warm,  read more

Dr. Robert Sanford, MD
Robert Sanford, MD
Dr. Sanford graduated from Brooklyn College and New York Medical College. He interned at Cedars Sinai Medical Center (Cedars of Lebanon) read more

Dr. Premal Jitendra Desai, MD
Premal Jitendra Desai, MD
Premal J. Desai, M.D. is a board-certified urologist specialty trained in laparoscopic and robotic surgery for urologic cancers. read more