Bladder biopsy

A bladder biopsy is a test that allows a doctor to look at tissue from your bladder. The doctor removes a small sample of tissue from the lining of your bladder. Then another doctor looks at cells from the tissue under a microscope to check for cancer or other problems.

A bladder biopsy is done to look for the cause of your symptoms. Symptoms may include blood in your urine, pain when you urinate, or needing to urinate often. This test is often done to check for cancer.

• The test may be done in your doctor's office or in a hospital.
• You will be kept comfortable and safe by your doctor or anesthesia provider. The anesthesia may make you sleep. Or it may just numb the area being worked on.
• The doctor will put a thin, lighted tool into your urethra. This tool is called a cystoscope or scope. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
• The doctor will gently thread the scope into your bladder.
• Your bladder will then be filled with fluid. This stretches the bladder so that your doctor can clearly see the inside of your bladder.
• Your doctor will use small tools through the scope to take out a sample of tissue from your bladder.
• Another doctor looks at the sample under a microscope to check for cancer or other problems.

• Follow your doctor's instructions about drinking plenty of fluids before the test.
• You may be asked to empty your bladder right before the test.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics or other medicines to take before the test, take them as directed.