Imaging and Diagnostics
Your doctor may order imaging tests to help create pictures of the inside of your body and to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
During this imaging test, a special dye is injected into the patient's veins where it is naturally removed from the blood stream and passed into the bladder. An x-ray is then taken of the bladder when the dye is present, which can reveal any tumors within the bladder.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
A CT scan can provide information about the size and shape of any tumors found in the bladder. A CT scans uses numerous x-rays and a computer to create cross-sectional images of your bones, tissues, and blood vessels.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan
An MRI scan is similar to a CT scan, in that it can show detailed images of the inside of your body. Instead of using x-rays, an MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create these images. An MRI scan can reveal the size and position of the tumor, and if the cancer has spread outside of the bladder into surrounding tissues.
