Further tests for bladder cancer

You may have some tests (IVU and ultrasound) done before your cystoscopy|. Your specialist will also want you to have tests to find out how deeply the cancer has grown into the bladder and if it has spread outside the bladder. Tests may include:

Chest x-ray Back to top

This is taken to check that your lungs and heart are healthy.

IVU (intravenous urogram) Back to top

Some people may have an IVU. This test shows up anything unusual in the bladder, ureters or kidneys (urinary system). It is done in the hospital x-ray department and takes about an hour. A dye is injected into a vein in your arm, and travels through the bloodstream to the kidneys. The doctor can watch on a screen how the dye passes through the urinary system and can pick up any problems.

The dye will make you feel hot and flushed for a few minutes but this feeling goes away after a short time.

MRI scan Back to top

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is similar to a CT scan, but uses magnetism instead of x-rays to build up cross-sectional pictures of your body.  It’s used to find out how deeply the cancer has grown into the bladder and whether it has spread outside the bladder. You cannot have an MRI scan if you have any metal in your body, such as heart pacemakers or certain types of surgical clips.

The scanner is a very powerful magnet, so before entering the room you’ll need to remove any metal belongings. During the test, you will be asked to lie very still on a couch inside a long tube for about 30 minutes. It can be slightly uncomfortable and some people feel claustrophobic during the scan. It is also very noisy, but you will be given earplugs or headphones. You can usually take someone with you into the room to keep you company.

Some people are given an injection of dye into a vein in the arm to help make the picture clearer.

CT scan Back to top

A CT (computerised tomography) scan takes a series of x-rays, which build up a three-dimensional picture of the inside of your body. It’s used to find out more about how far the cancer has spread. Usually you will have x-ray pictures taken of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, which are fed into a computer to give a detailed picture.

The scan is painless and takes between 10 and 30 minutes. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours before your appointment.

Most people who have a CT scan are given a drink or injection of dye before the scan. This helps the doctor to see particular areas more clearly. People who are allergic to iodine or have asthma may be at higher risk of reacting to the dye. If you are allergic to iodine or have asthma tell the doctor and the person doing the test before you have the injection or drink. Most people feel hot and flushed for a few minutes after having the injection. You will probably be able to go home as soon as the scan is over.

Ultrasound scan Back to top

This test can also show up anything unusual in your urinary system. It uses sound waves to build up a picture of the inside of the body.

You’ll be asked to drink plenty of fluids before your test so that your bladder is full and can be seen clearly. Once you are lying comfortably on your back, a special gel is spread over the skin of your abdomen. A small device, like a microphone, is passed over the area. It gives out sound waves and picks them up as they bounce back (echoes) from the organs inside your body. The echoes are made into a picture by a computer. The scan is painless and takes about 15–20 minutes. Once it’s over, you will be able to empty your bladder.

Bone scan Back to top

A bone scan can show up any abnormal areas of bone. It may be done to find out if the cancer has spread to the bones.

A very small amount of a mildly radioactive liquid will be injected into a vein, usually in your arm. Abnormal bone absorbs more of the radioactive substance than normal bone. This shows up on a scan as highlighted areas (known as hot spots).

The level of radioactivity used is very small and doesn’t cause any harm.

You will have to wait for up to three hours after having the injection before you have a scan. This is to allow time for the bone to absorb the radioactive substance. It’s a good idea to take a book or a magazine to help pass the time. After a few hours you will have a scan of the whole body.

A bone scan can show up conditions other than cancer such as arthritis. In this case you may need to have further tests, like an x-ray of the abnormal area.

Waiting for your test results Back to top

It will probably take several days for the results of your tests to be ready. Your results will show the stage of your cancer| and help your specialist to decide on the most appropriate treatment for you.

Waiting for your results can be a difficult time. It may help you to talk things over with a relative or close friend. You may want to speak to one of our cancer support service nurses| or a support organisation.