What is the diagnostic procedure used to confirm bladder cancer?

The confirmation of bladder cancer is primarily achieved through cystoscopy with biopsy. This procedure involves inserting a cystoscope, a thin tube with a camera, into the bladder through the urethra. It allows direct visualization of the bladder's interior, enabling the detection of any abnormal growths or lesions that could indicate cancer. Additionally, during this procedure, biopsies can be taken from any suspicious areas, which are then analyzed histologically to determine the presence of cancer cells. This combination of visual inspection and tissue analysis makes cystoscopy with biopsy the gold standard for diagnosing bladder cancer.

While ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI can be useful in the evaluation and staging of bladder cancer, they are not definitive diagnostic tools. Ultrasound can identify abnormalities but lacks the specificity needed for diagnosis. CT scans and MRI can provide detailed images of the bladder and surrounding structures, assisting in assessing the extent of disease but cannot confirm cancer without a biopsy. Thus, cystoscopy with biopsy remains the definitive method for diagnosis.