BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuBladder biopsyBiopsy - bladderBladder biopsy is a procedure in which small pieces of tissue are removed from the bladder. The tissue is tested under a microscope.BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.Read Article Now Book Mark Article How the Test is Performed A bladder biopsy can be done as part of a cystoscopy. Cystoscopy is a procedure that is done to see the inside of the bladder using a thin lighted tube called a cystoscope. A small piece of tissue or the entire abnormal area is removed. The tissue is sent to the lab to be tested if:CystoscopyCystoscopy is a surgical procedure. This is done to see the inside of the bladder and urethra using a thin, lighted tube.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Abnormalities of the bladder are found during this exam A tumor is seen TumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).Read Article Now Book Mark Article How to Prepare for the Test You must sign an informed consent form before you have a bladder biopsy. In most cases, you are asked to urinate just before the procedure. You may also be asked to take an antibiotic before the procedure.For 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) Infant test or procedure preparationBeing prepared before your infant has a medical test can help you know what to expect during the test. It will also help reduce your anxiety so that...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years) Toddler test or procedure preparationHelping your young child prepare for a medical test or procedure can reduce anxiety, increase cooperation, and help your child develop coping skills....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years) Preschooler test or procedure preparati...Preparing properly for a test or procedure reduces your child's anxiety, encourages cooperation, and helps your child develop coping skills.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article School age test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years) School age test or procedure preparatioPreparing properly for a test or procedure may reduce your child's anxiety, encourage cooperation, and help your child develop coping skills....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years) Adolescent test or procedure preparatioPreparing for a medical test or procedure can reduce anxiety, encourage cooperation, and help your teen develop coping skills.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article How the Test will Feel You may have a slight discomfort as the cystoscope is passed through your urethra into your bladder. You will feel discomfort that is similar to a strong urge to urinate when the fluid has filled your bladder.You may feel a pinch during the biopsy. There may be a burning sensation when the blood vessels are sealed to stop bleeding (cauterized).After the cystoscope is removed, your urethra may be sore. You may feel a burning sensation during urination for a day or two. There may be blood in the urine. In most cases, this will go away on its own.In some cases, the biopsy needs to be taken from a large area. In that case, you may need general anesthesia or sedation before the procedure. Why the Test is Performed This test is most often done to check for cancer of the bladder or urethra.Cancer of the bladderBladder cancer is a cancer that starts in the bladder. The bladder is the body part that holds and releases urine. It is in the center of the lower...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Normal Results The bladder wall is smooth. The bladder is of a normal size, shape, and position. There are no blockages, growths, or stones.BlockagesBladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is a blockage at the base of the bladder. It reduces or stops the flow of urine into the urethra. The urethra is t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article StonesBladder stones are hard buildups of minerals. These form in the urinary bladder.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article What Abnormal Results Mean The presence of cancer cells indicates bladder cancer. The type of cancer can be determined from the biopsy sample.Other abnormalities may include:Bladder diverticula DiverticulaDiverticula are small, bulging sacs or pouches that form on the inner wall of the intestine. Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches become inflame...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cysts CystsA cyst is a closed pocket or pouch of tissue. It can be filled with air, fluid, pus, or other material.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Inflammation Infection UlcersUlcersAn ulcer is a crater-like sore on the skin or mucous membrane. Ulcers form when the top layers of skin or tissue have been removed. They can occur ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Risks There is some risk for urinary tract infection (UTI).Urinary tract infection (UTI)A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection of the urinary tract. The infection can occur at different points in the urinary tract, including...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article There is a slight risk for excessive bleeding. There may be a rupture of the bladder wall with the cystoscope or during biopsy.There is also a risk that the biopsy will fail to detect a serious condition. Considerations You will likely have a small amount of blood in your urine shortly after this procedure. If the bleeding continues after you urinate, contact your health care provider.Also contact your provider if:You have pain, chills, or a fever You are producing less urine than usual (oliguria) OliguriaDecreased urine output means that you produce less urine than normal. Most adults make at least 500 milliliters of urine in 24 hours (a little over ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You cannot urinate despite a strong urge to do soOpen ReferencesReferencesCundiff GW, Bent AE. Cystourethroscopy. In: Baggish MS, Karram MM, eds. Atlas of Pelvic Anatomy and Gynecologic Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 120.Duty BD, Conlin MJ. Principles of urologic endoscopy. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 13.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Cystoscopy and ureteroscopy. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/cystoscopy-ureteroscopy. Updated July 2021. Accessed August 23, 2022.Taylor JM, Smith TG, Coburn M. Urologic surgery. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 74.AllVideoImagesTogBladder catheterization - female - illustration A catheter (a hollow tube, often with an inflatable balloon tip) may be inserted into the urinary bladder when there is a urinary obstruction, following surgical procedures to the urethra, in unconscious patients (due to surgical anesthesia, coma, or other reasons), or for any other problem in which the bladder needs to be kept empty (decompressed) and urinary flow assured. The balloon holds the catheter in place for a duration of time.Bladder catheterization - femaleillustrationBladder catheterization - male - illustration Catheterization is accomplished by inserting a catheter (a hollow tube, often with and inflatable balloon tip) into the urinary bladder. This procedure is performed for urinary obstruction, following surgical procedures to the urethra, in unconscious patients (due to surgical anesthesia, coma, or other reasons), or for any other problem in which the bladder needs to be kept empty (decompressed) and urinary flow assured. The balloon holds the catheter in place for a duration of time. Catheterization in males is slightly more difficult and uncomfortable than in females because of the longer urethra.Bladder catheterization - maleillustrationFemale urinary tract - illustration The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.Female urinary tractillustrationMale urinary tract - illustration The male and female urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.Male urinary tractillustrationBladder biopsy - illustration A bladder biopsy is performed if abnormalities of the bladder are found, or if a tumor is grossly visible. During the biopsy a small portion of tissue is removed and sent to the laboratory for analysis.Bladder biopsyillustrationBladder catheterization - female - illustration A catheter (a hollow tube, often with an inflatable balloon tip) may be inserted into the urinary bladder when there is a urinary obstruction, following surgical procedures to the urethra, in unconscious patients (due to surgical anesthesia, coma, or other reasons), or for any other problem in which the bladder needs to be kept empty (decompressed) and urinary flow assured. The balloon holds the catheter in place for a duration of time.Bladder catheterization - femaleillustrationBladder catheterization - male - illustration Catheterization is accomplished by inserting a catheter (a hollow tube, often with and inflatable balloon tip) into the urinary bladder. This procedure is performed for urinary obstruction, following surgical procedures to the urethra, in unconscious patients (due to surgical anesthesia, coma, or other reasons), or for any other problem in which the bladder needs to be kept empty (decompressed) and urinary flow assured. The balloon holds the catheter in place for a duration of time. Catheterization in males is slightly more difficult and uncomfortable than in females because of the longer urethra.Bladder catheterization - maleillustrationFemale urinary tract - illustration The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.Female urinary tractillustrationMale urinary tract - illustration The male and female urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.Male urinary tractillustrationBladder biopsy - illustration A bladder biopsy is performed if abnormalities of the bladder are found, or if a tumor is grossly visible. During the biopsy a small portion of tissue is removed and sent to the laboratory for analysis.Bladder biopsyillustration Tests for Bladder biopsy Bladder biopsyCystoscopyCone biopsyProstate biopsyRelated Information Cancer(Condition)Cyst(Symptoms)Ulcers(Symptoms)Diverticulitis(Condition) Review Date: 4/10/2022 Reviewed By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Bladder biopsyBiopsy - bladderBladder biopsy is a procedure in which small pieces of tissue are removed from the bladder. The tissue is tested under a microscope.BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.Read Article Now Book Mark Article How the Test is Performed A bladder biopsy can be done as part of a cystoscopy. Cystoscopy is a procedure that is done to see the inside of the bladder using a thin lighted tube called a cystoscope. A small piece of tissue or the entire abnormal area is removed. The tissue is sent to the lab to be tested if:CystoscopyCystoscopy is a surgical procedure. This is done to see the inside of the bladder and urethra using a thin, lighted tube.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Abnormalities of the bladder are found during this exam A tumor is seen TumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).Read Article Now Book Mark Article How to Prepare for the Test You must sign an informed consent form before you have a bladder biopsy. In most cases, you are asked to urinate just before the procedure. You may also be asked to take an antibiotic before the procedure.For 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) Infant test or procedure preparationBeing prepared before your infant has a medical test can help you know what to expect during the test. It will also help reduce your anxiety so that...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years) Toddler test or procedure preparationHelping your young child prepare for a medical test or procedure can reduce anxiety, increase cooperation, and help your child develop coping skills....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years) Preschooler test or procedure preparati...Preparing properly for a test or procedure reduces your child's anxiety, encourages cooperation, and helps your child develop coping skills.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article School age test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years) School age test or procedure preparatioPreparing properly for a test or procedure may reduce your child's anxiety, encourage cooperation, and help your child develop coping skills....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years) Adolescent test or procedure preparatioPreparing for a medical test or procedure can reduce anxiety, encourage cooperation, and help your teen develop coping skills.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article How the Test will Feel You may have a slight discomfort as the cystoscope is passed through your urethra into your bladder. You will feel discomfort that is similar to a strong urge to urinate when the fluid has filled your bladder.You may feel a pinch during the biopsy. There may be a burning sensation when the blood vessels are sealed to stop bleeding (cauterized).After the cystoscope is removed, your urethra may be sore. You may feel a burning sensation during urination for a day or two. There may be blood in the urine. In most cases, this will go away on its own.In some cases, the biopsy needs to be taken from a large area. In that case, you may need general anesthesia or sedation before the procedure. Why the Test is Performed This test is most often done to check for cancer of the bladder or urethra.Cancer of the bladderBladder cancer is a cancer that starts in the bladder. The bladder is the body part that holds and releases urine. It is in the center of the lower...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Normal Results The bladder wall is smooth. The bladder is of a normal size, shape, and position. There are no blockages, growths, or stones.BlockagesBladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is a blockage at the base of the bladder. It reduces or stops the flow of urine into the urethra. The urethra is t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article StonesBladder stones are hard buildups of minerals. These form in the urinary bladder.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article What Abnormal Results Mean The presence of cancer cells indicates bladder cancer. The type of cancer can be determined from the biopsy sample.Other abnormalities may include:Bladder diverticula DiverticulaDiverticula are small, bulging sacs or pouches that form on the inner wall of the intestine. Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches become inflame...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cysts CystsA cyst is a closed pocket or pouch of tissue. It can be filled with air, fluid, pus, or other material.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Inflammation Infection UlcersUlcersAn ulcer is a crater-like sore on the skin or mucous membrane. Ulcers form when the top layers of skin or tissue have been removed. They can occur ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Risks There is some risk for urinary tract infection (UTI).Urinary tract infection (UTI)A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection of the urinary tract. The infection can occur at different points in the urinary tract, including...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article There is a slight risk for excessive bleeding. There may be a rupture of the bladder wall with the cystoscope or during biopsy.There is also a risk that the biopsy will fail to detect a serious condition. Considerations You will likely have a small amount of blood in your urine shortly after this procedure. If the bleeding continues after you urinate, contact your health care provider.Also contact your provider if:You have pain, chills, or a fever You are producing less urine than usual (oliguria) OliguriaDecreased urine output means that you produce less urine than normal. Most adults make at least 500 milliliters of urine in 24 hours (a little over ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You cannot urinate despite a strong urge to do soOpen ReferencesReferencesCundiff GW, Bent AE. Cystourethroscopy. In: Baggish MS, Karram MM, eds. Atlas of Pelvic Anatomy and Gynecologic Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 120.Duty BD, Conlin MJ. Principles of urologic endoscopy. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 13.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Cystoscopy and ureteroscopy. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/cystoscopy-ureteroscopy. Updated July 2021. Accessed August 23, 2022.Taylor JM, Smith TG, Coburn M. Urologic surgery. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 74.