Biopsy - bladder

A bladder biopsy is usually performed as a part of a cystoscopy. If abnormalities of the bladder are found during this examination, or if a tumor is visible, a small portion of tissue, or possibly the entire area of concern, is removed and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

You must sign an informed consent form before you undergo a bladder biopsy. Usually you are asked to urinate just prior to the procedure. You may also be asked to take an antibiotic prior to the procedure.

Infants and children:

The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

• Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

There may be slight discomfort as the cystoscope (a lighted instrument used to look at the bladder) is passed through your urethra (the canal leading from the bladder to the outside of the body) into your bladder. You will feel an uncomfortable sensation -- similar to a strong urge to urinate -- when the fluid has filled your bladder.

You may feel a pinch during the biopsy, and a burning sensation when the blood vessels are cauterized (sealed to stop bleeding).

After the cystoscope is removed, your urethra may be sore and you may experience a burning sensation during urination for a day or two.

Sometimes when the suspicious area is larger, anesthesia, either general or spinal, is required to remove the area in question.

This test is most often performed to check for cancer of the bladder or urethra.

The bladder wall is smooth. The bladder is of a normal size, shape, and position. There are no obstructions, growths, or stones.

The presence of cancer cells indicates bladder cancer. The type of cancer can be determined from the biopsy sample.

Other abnormalities may include disorders such as a non-cancerous cysts, ulcers, infection, and bladder diverticula.

There is some risk of urinary tract infection.

There is slight risk of excessive bleeding or rupturing of the bladder wall with the cystoscope or during biopsy.

A small amount of blood is usually passed in the urine shortly after this procedure. If the bleeding continues after the time you urinate, contact your health care provider.

Contact your health care provider if you have pain, chills, or fever or if your urine output is lower than usual (oliguria).