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• Ultrasound
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Because these various imaging studies may not be completely accurate for identifying a bladder tumor, direct visualization of the bladder and urinary tract with cystoscopy currently is considered as the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of bladder cancer.

Laboratory Evaluation

A variety of laboratory tests may be performed for patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of bladder cancer:

• Urine cytology - A sample of urine or bladder washings (obtained by instilling a salt solution into the bladder via a catheter) is examined with a microscope to look for cancer cells.

• Urine culture - A urine sample is submitted to the microbiology laboratory to check for bacteria in the urine. This test is performed to rule out infection as a possible cause of the patient's symptoms.

• Urinalysis - A special thin plastic strip (dipstick) that is impregnated with various chemicals is immersed into a fresh urine sample as a screening test for:

  • hematuria (blood in the urine)
  • proteinuria (elevated levels of protein in the urine)
  • glucose levels in the urine - useful in detecting diabetes

If evidence of hematuria is found by urinary dipstick analysis, it is followed-up with microscopic examination of the urine to confirm the presence of red blood cells.

Blood tests

• Serum creatinine levels - This test is used to assess the activity and function of the kidneys.

• Complete blood count (CBC)