A cystoscopy can help diagnose multiple bladder issues in a way that traditional imaging cannot. It also allows for taking tissue samples and removing suspicious growths in one procedure.
What conditions can a cystoscopy be used to diagnose?
The purpose of this procedure is twofold: it can help diagnose and treat conditions associated with the bladder, such as infections and tumors.
A physician may take tissue samples (biopsies) or remove any suspicious growths during the procedure. It can also stretch the bladder wall if thickened or insert stents into narrow passages around the bladder and other pelvic organs. A cystoscopy can be used to diagnose conditions such as:
- Frequent bladder infections
- Tumors
- Incontinence
- Stones in the urethra or bladder
- Blockages or narrowing of the urethra or bladder
- Overactive bladder
- Unusual cells from a urine sample
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Pain in the bladder or urethra during urination
- Structural abnormalities of the bladder
- Hunner’s lesions (bladder inflammation with Interstitial Cystitis)