Bladder Cancer Evaluation and Diagnosis

Anne E. Lizardi, DNP, CRNP, RNFA, presented “Bladder Cancer Evaluation and Diagnosis.” 

How to cite: Lizardi, Anne E. “Bladder Cancer Evaluation and Diagnosis.” October 2025. Accessed Mar 2026. https://grandroundsinurology.com/bladder-cancer-evaluation-and-diagnosis/

Bladder Cancer Evaluation and Diagnosis – Summary

Anne E. Lizardi, DNP, CRNP, RNFA, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, presents an overview of bladder cancer evaluation and diagnosis. She describes the common clinical presentation of painless hematuria and outlines the stepwise diagnostic process, including urinalysis, cytology, biomarkers, imaging, and cystoscopy. Dr. Lizardi explains that bladder cancer most frequently originates in the urothelium and that urothelial carcinoma is the predominant histologic type. Cytology demonstrates high specificity for high-grade tumors but limited sensitivity for low-grade disease.

Dr. Lizardi reviews the TNM staging system, histologic grading, and the role of advanced diagnostic tools such as blue light cystoscopy, narrow band imaging, and molecular testing. She highlights the importance of timely evaluation to prevent disease progression and notes that transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) remains essential for both diagnosis and treatment.

The presentation underscores the need for multidisciplinary collaboration among urology, oncology, pathology, and radiology specialists to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning. Dr. Lizardi emphasizes that integrating biomarkers and advanced imaging improves early detection and surveillance.

This presentation offers clinicians a concise, evidence-based framework for evaluating patients with hematuria and determining appropriate diagnostic strategies. It also encourages continued research on molecular markers to improve early identification and disease monitoring.