Cystoscopy - Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network

The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network presents...
Tips From Patients, For Patients:
Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing bladder cancer. A long thin tube is inserted through the urethra,
allowing the urologist to look into the bladder and see tumors along the bladder surface. The urethra is the tube that
carries urine from the bladder out of the body. Today with the widespread use of the flexible cystoscope most of the
diagnostic cystoscopies are done in an outpatient setting, which means that you do not need to be admitted to the
hospital, with little or no discomfort. Lidocaine jelly is often placed into the urethra as a local numbing medicine to
reduce any pain from the procedure.
During the cystoscopy, the urologist may take a small piece of tissue that might be cancer. This sample is called a
biopsy, and is sent to a pathologist to analyze and see whether it is cancerous. Pathologists are doctors who specialize in using information from samples like a biopsy to diagnosis disease. The urologist may also take a sample of the
urine from the bladder for analysis (cytology) to determine if there are any cancer cells. Information from the biopsy
sample and the urine sample will help the doctor make recommendations about future care.
BCAN surveyed bladder cancer patients to find out what they thought patients should know about three key areas
related to cystoscopy. These tips are their thoughts and advice.
What Questions Should Patients Ask Their Doctor About Getting a Cystoscopy?
1. Why is getting a cystoscopy a good option for me?
• What will the cystoscopy tell you, and how reliable is the information? Will a cystoscopy show whether
I have bladder cancer? • If I have had bladder tumors in the past, will the cystoscopy tell you whether the cancer has recurred?
2. What’s involved in getting a cystoscopy?
• What should I do to prepare?
• Will I be given anesthesia, numbing gel, or pain medication before the procedure?
• How long does the procedure take? • Will you be using a flexible cystoscope?
• Will you take a urine sample? If there is a tumor, will you take a biopsy of it?
• How long will it take to recover after the cystoscopy? What side effects can I expect and how can I cope with them? Can you give me medication to help with the side effects?
• If the cystoscopy shows I have bladder cancer, what happens next?
3. What is your experience with this treatment? • Are you experienced with doing cystoscopies?
• Do you treat a lot of bladder cancer patients?
• Where can I go to get a second opinion?
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What are the Most Important Things Patients Should Know About Getting a Cystoscopy?
1. Preparing for the cystoscopy…
• The procedure is usually quick with little or no pain.
• Think positively, and try to relax as much as possible. Your doctor might also give you a sedative
before the procedure to help you relax. Some people listen to music or do breathing exercises. Do whatever works for you!
• Bring a friend or family member to take notes on what the doctor tells you and to help take you home after the procedure.
2. During the cystoscopy…
• You will be asked to lie down and put your feet in stirrups or bend your knees and hold your legs apart. Try not to be embarrassed; lots of people have cystoscopies!
• Don’t forget to breathe. Try to distract yourself by thinking about something else.
• Your doctor may be able to tell you what he or she sees during the procedure, and there may be a
monitor or screen where you can watch what is going on, too.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions and tell the doctor what you are feeling.
3. After the cystoscopy…
• Side effects vary from person to person, but may include a burning sensation, difficulty urinating,
abdominal pain, spasms, incontinence, and blood in your urine. • If you have trouble urinating, you may need to use a catheter for a few days.
• Your doctor might recommend taking antibiotics to help prevent infection.
• If the cystoscopy shows that you have bladder cancer or have had a recurrence, find out what your
doctor recommends you do next and where you can find more information and support.
What are your Top Tips for Coping with a Cystoscopy?
1. Before the cystoscopy…
• Relax as much as possible, and remember that the procedure is usually quick and painless.
• Wear comfortable clothes so that you can dress and undress easily.
2. After the cystoscopy…
• Drinking lots of water and using medications, gels, and heating pads might help with side effects. Ask your doctor what he or she recommends.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions. Get instructions in writing so you can refer to them later. Call your medical team if you have questions or something seems wrong.
3. Be aware of what might happen next.
• If the cystoscopy finds a bladder tumor, your doctor will likely recommend a Transurethral Resection of
the Bladder Tumor (TURBT) so that the tumor can be removed and sent to a pathologist for
examination. See the Patient Tipsheet on TURBTs for more information.
BCAN provides this information as a service. Publication of this information is not intended to take the place of medical care or the
advice of your doctor. BCAN strongly suggests consulting your doctor or other health professional about the information presented.
www.bcan.org | [email protected] | 888-901-BCAN
Made possible by
www.bcan.org | [email protected] | 888-901-BCAN
a grant from