Bladder Biopsy Procedure

A bladder biopsy may be required if an abnormality is detected during cystoscopy, or if a bladder tumor is suspected for any reason. The biopsy procedure generally last only a few minutes. Discomfort is minimized by means of an anesthetic jelly that is applied to the urethra prior to the procedure. The procedure is then performed using tiny forceps that are inserted through the cystoscope. A small piece of tissue is removed from the lining of the bladder. Sometimes several areas are biopsied during the procedure. The biopsied areas are then cauterized with a slender electrode inserted through the scope to reduce any possibility of bleeding. Sometimes small tumors can be completely eradicated using the cautery instrument. The biopsy specimens are then sent to a laboratory for a pathologist to examine. Results are generally available within two weeks.