Blue Light Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is a procedure used by doctors to diagnose and surgically remove bladder cancer cells. It involves inserting a thin, tube-like instrument called a cystoscope into the bladder. Traditional cystoscopes have a white light and video camera attached to them. Blue light cystoscopy is another procedure with an improved tumor detection.

Introducing Blue Light Cystoscopy

Blue light cystoscopy is an FDA-approved procedure that detects bladder cancer tumors. It utilizes both ultraviolet (UV) and white light, as well as an optical imaging agent called Cysview (hexaminolevulinate HCl). The Cysview makes cancer cells glow bright pink under UV light, while healthy tissues remain blue.

The Benefits of Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview at St Pete Urology

As a leading urologist in St Petersburg, FL, our specialists at St Pete Urology use blue light cystoscopy to provide accurate bladder cancer diagnosis, treat non-muscle invasive bladder cancer or after treatment with Chemotherapy or BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin). This technique offers several advantages, including:

• Locating smaller, hard-to-find or flat tumors that standard cystoscopy may miss
• Removing bladder cancers during the same procedure they are discovered
• Sparing healthy tissue when removing bladder cancer tumors, reducing the need for a total cystectomy
• Preventing cancer recurrence by more accurately targeting cancer cells
• More quickly identifying cancers after other treatments that cause inflammation

Am I Eligible For The Procedure

Blue light cystoscopy may be suitable for you if:

• You require a cystoscopy
• Your doctor needs to check for bladder cancer recurrence after a cancer treatment that caused inflammation, such as chemotherapy
• Your doctor needs more information to determine your treatment plan
• Other tests and symptoms suggest bladder cancer, but standard cystoscopy shows nothing

How Does It Work?

About an hour before the procedure, we inject your bladder with a small amount of Cysview. The cancer cells absorb Cysview, which stains them so they “glow.”

During the procedure, we:

• Examine the bladder with the standard white light to find easier-to-see tumors
• Switch to the UV light to see if any other areas are glowing pink, indicating undetected tumors
• Remove and analyze the cancer under a microscope (biopsy)

How Safe Is It?

Research shows that the procedure is generally safe. Our bladder cancer surgeons at St Pete Urology can help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Choose St Pete Urology for Advanced Bladder Cancer Treatment

At St Pete Urology, our expert team is dedicated to providing the best care for bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment. To experience the benefits of blue light cystoscopy and our other state-of-the-art services, call us at (727) 478-1172 to schedule an appointment today.