Diagnostic Imaging For Bladder Health
November is officially bladder health month! The Urology Care Foundation wants everyone to know more about their bladder health, which means knowing how to recognize signs of serious issues. To raise awareness about bladder health, each week will focus on a different bladder condition.
* Week One: Interstitial Cystitis, Neurogenic Bladder & Bladder Infection/UTI
Interstitial cystitis is a common bladder condition affecting between 3 million and 8 million women across the United States. While it is less common in men, nearly 4 million men also suffer from this disease.
* Week Two: Bladder Cancer
Every year, 81,180 new cases of bladder cancer get diagnosed. Of those cases, 17,100 will lose their lives to this deadly disease. While rates of bladder cancer and death have dropped in recent years, it is still the fourth most common cancer in men, especially those over the age of 55.
* Week Three: Incontinence, OAB & SUI
According to the National Association for Continence, over 25 million adults experience some form of incontinence. Most commonly, UI occurs in women over the age of 50. An additional 33 million suffer from an Overactive Bladder (OAB).
* Week Four: Bedwetting, Nocturia, Bladder Exstrophy
According to NCBI, nocturia affects 50 million people in the United States. However, only 1.5 million ever seek treatment for it.
What Types of Imaging Tests Are Used to Diagnose and Stage Bladder Cancer?
Several types of diagnostic imaging tests can help diagnose bladder cancer.
CT scan: A CT scan is a type of X-ray that produces detailed cross-sectional images of your body. This test can be used to look for tumors in the bladder or kidney. It is also helpful in determining staging, so doctors can identify the appropriate treatment.
MRI: An MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of your body. This test can be used to look for tumors in the bladder.
Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. This test can be used to look for tumors in the bladder. Doctors also use ultrasound to evaluate the structure and function of the bladder. This test can help to identify any abnormalities in the shape or size of the bladder, as well as any blockages or other problems with urine flow.
Cystoscopy: Cystoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. This allows the doctor to examine the inside of the bladder and look for tumors.
Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure in which a small tissue sample is removed from the body for examination. This can be used to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
Intravenous Pyelogram: A dye gets injected into the patient, allowing radiologists to better look at the kidneys, urinary tract, and more. This X-ray looks at the collecting system of the kidneys and helps spot small cancer locations.
Treatment for bladder cancer will depend on the stage of the disease. Early-stage cancers may be treated with surgery, while more advanced cancers may require chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
You should see your doctor for further evaluation if you are experiencing any symptoms indicating a serious bladder condition. Diagnostic imaging tests can play an important role in identifying these conditions so that appropriate treatment can be started.
Schedule Your Diagnostic Imaging Appointment Today
At ImageCare Centers, we offer state-of-the-art imaging to help your doctor identify issues with your kidneys and bladder. We know that you need answers, and our crystal-clear imaging gives doctors the information they need to give you those answers. Contact us today at 973-871-3333 to schedule an appointment or complete our convenient online appointment request form.