Bladder cancer is classified as either non-muscle invasive (cancer that stays in the inner lining of the bladder) or muscle invasive (has grown into the wall of the bladder). 

There are different treatment plans for each type, so an accurate diagnosis is essential. 

If you have symptoms that suggest bladder cancer, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests to determine their cause: 

• Urine tests: These tests can detect abnormalities in your urine, such as blood or cancer cells, that may indicate bladder cancer. 
• Cystoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a thin tube with a camera into the bladder through the urethra to visually inspect the bladder and collect tissue samples for biopsy. 
• Imaging tests: Imaging technologies, including computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound, help visualize the bladder and surrounding tissues. 
• Biopsy: If abnormal tissue is found, a biopsy will be performed to see if there is cancer and determine its type and stage. This involves removing a small sample of bladder tissue for microscopic examination. 

These diagnostic tools ensure that your treatment is precisely tailored to your specific type and stage of bladder cancer, helping to maximize effectiveness while minimizing the impact of therapy on your quality of life. 

If cancer is found, your doctor will perform additional tests to see how far it has spread. This process, called staging, is necessary to ensure you get the best care.