Tests and scans
A cystoscopy is a test to look at the inside of your and tube that carries urine from your bladder out of your body (urethra). It uses a thin tube called a cystoscope.
There are different types of cystoscopies:
flexible cystoscopy
rigid cystoscopy
narrow band imaging (NBI), blue light cystoscopy or photodynamic diagnosis (PDD)
Your doctor will discuss with you what type of cystoscopy you're having.
The flexible cystoscope has optic fibres inside it, a light and camera attached to it. Because it's flexible it can bend around the tubes as it passes through your urethra. This is generally done under . So you are awake for this test.
Your doctor uses a flexible cystoscopy to look inside your bladder. They can examine the lining of your bladder and find out what is causing your . They can also take small samples of tissue ( ) during this procedure.
A flexible cystoscopy in a man
A flexible cystoscopy in a woman
The rigid cystoscopy uses a hard straight tube. It also has a light and camera attached to it. Because it's not flexible you usually have a rigid cystoscopy under . So you are asleep for this test. Or you have a (epidural). So you can’t feel anything from the waist down.
You might have a rigid cystoscopy if you have biopsies taken or need treatment for a problem with your bladder.
A rigid cystoscopy in a women
A rigid cystoscopy in a man
The camera links to a TV monitor so if you're awake you may be able to watch the procedure.
If necessary, the doctor can pass small instruments down the cystoscope. This is to take biopsies from the bladder lining.
You might have a type of flexible cystoscopy called narrow-band imaging (NBI). This uses wavelengths of blue and green light.
Bladder lesions and usually have a good blood supply. Blood absorbs blue and green light better than other colours. So this test shows up areas in the bladder that the doctor needs to examine closely. It helps them find bladder tumours.
This is a new test and might not be available at your hospital.
This is another type of cystoscopy using a blue light instead of a white light to pick up bladder cancer. You usually have it under general anaesthetic.
To have the test your doctor puts a thin tube (catheter) into your bladder. They then put a fluorescent dye called hexyl aminolevulinate (HAL) through the tube.
The dye stays in for an hour before your cystoscopy. Then your doctor puts the flexible cystoscope into your bladder. This has a camera and blue light. Any cancer cells absorb the dye and glow red or pink when the blue light is shone on them. This makes them easier to see.
This is a new test and might not be available at your hospital.
You may have this test if you're passing blood when you wee. Or you're having problems passing urine, such as:
being unable to empty your bladder properly (retention)
you're unable to control when you need to wee (incontinence)
going more frequently than usual
This is the most important test for diagnosing cancer of the bladder. As well as examining the bladder your doctor can take samples of the bladder lining (biopsies) to check for cancer cells.
Other reasons you might have a cystoscopy is to check:
whether your cancer has come back
for spread from another type of cancer
This video shows you what happens when you have a cystoscopy, it lasts for 1 minute 41 seconds
Most people do not have problems after having a cystoscopy but as with any medical procedure, there are possible risks.
You might have mild burning or stinging when you pass urine. It may also look slightly blood stained for a day or two. Drinking plenty should help with this. They will ask you to drink twice as much as you usually drink for the first 24 - 48 hours.
You should contact the hospital or your GP immediately if:
you're still bleeding 48 hours after your test
the bleeding is getting worse
there are blood clots in your urine
you have severe pain when passing urine
you’re unable to pass urine
There is a small risk of infection. Symptoms can include:
going to the toilet more often
burning and stinging when passing urine
high temperature
feeling hot and cold or shivery
cloudy or offensive smelling urine
generally feeling unwell
If you think you have an infection, you should go to your GP. They can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
Rarely, you may have difficulty passing urine after cystoscopy. If this happens, you may need a catheter for a short time. There is also a risk of delayed bleeding and damage to the bladder wall or urethra.
You should get your results within 1 or 2 weeks at a follow up appointment, but it may take longer.
Waiting for test results can be a very worrying time. You might have contact details for a specialist nurse who you can contact for information if you need to. It can help to talk to a close friend or relative about how you feel.
Contact the doctor who arranged the test if you haven’t heard anything after a couple of weeks.
We have more information on tests, treatment and support if you have been diagnosed with cancer.
Last reviewed: 08 May 2025
Next review due: 08 May 2028
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