Bladder biopsy

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Bladder catheterization, female

Bladder catheterization, male

Bladder biopsy

Definition:

Bladder biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue from the bladder for examination.

Alternative Names:

Biopsy - bladder

How the test is performed:

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 is removed and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

How to prepare for the test:

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)

How the test will feel:

There may be slight discomfort as the cystoscope is passed through your urethra 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.

Why the test is performed:

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

Review Date: 7/28/2004
Reviewed By: Scott M. Gilbert, M.D., Department of Urology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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