Does cystoscopy treat bladder cancer?

During cystoscopy, a thin camera is passed through the urethra to inspect the bladder lining. The clinician can look for abnormal areas and may take a biopsy. In some cases, a procedure performed through the cystoscope can remove a superficial visible tumour and send it for pathology.

Cystoscopy cannot remove disease that has grown deeply into the bladder wall or spread beyond the area reached by the instrument. The pathology result, depth of invasion, scans, and examination determine whether further surgery or other cancer treatment is needed.

Ask whether your cystoscopy is for diagnosis, surveillance, biopsy, or removal of a visible lesion. Confirm when the pathology result will be discussed and whether additional imaging, another procedure, medicine, radiotherapy, or bladder removal surgery may be considered.

After the procedure, drink fluids if your care team permits and follow instructions about activity and medicines. Mild burning or a small amount of blood can occur, but your discharge advice should explain what is expected for you.

Contact the care team for worsening pain, fever, inability to pass urine, persistent heavy bleeding, or blood clots after cystoscopy. Seek urgent help if you feel faint, develop severe pain, or cannot urinate. Prompt assessment can identify infection, bleeding, or obstruction.

What did you see inside the bladder? Was a biopsy or tumour removal performed? What did the pathology show? Is the cancer superficial or muscle-invasive? What follow-up schedule and additional treatment do you recommend?