Bladder cancer
Why do I need surveillance cystoscopy after bladder cancer?
By Advanced Urology · November 10, 2026
Why do you need surveillance cystoscopy after bladder cancer?
In brief
Bladder cancer can come back, even after successful treatment. Regular cystoscopy (a quick look inside the bladder using a thin camera) can catch it early, while it's easier to treat.
What it involves
The schedule depends on your risk, often every three to six months at first, then less often. Stick with your surveillance visits, and come in sooner if blood shows up in your urine.
For our Cobb County patients
Our urologists welcome Cobb residents to the Marietta Clinic & Surgery Center, 1371 Church Street Extension NW. Should your plan include a procedure, you'll have it in this same Marietta building.
Keep reading with Advanced Urology
More about Bladder cancer from Advanced Urology
Follow-up visits in Marietta
Surveillance scopes for Cobb County patients happen in our Marietta Clinic & Surgery Center. A flexible cystoscopy is done in the exam room after numbing gel, takes a few minutes, and you can go home right after. Findings are shared with you right there in the room.
How our urologists set a schedule
Because this cancer can return, scopes are scheduled at regular intervals, more often early on and less often as clear results add up. The schedule depends on the type and grade of the original tumor. Urine tests and imaging of the upper urinary tract may be added.
Don't wait to call about
- Blood in the urine between visits
- Burning or urgency that doesn't settle
- Pain in the side or back
Staying on track
It's easy to let a follow-up slip when you feel fine; our team will remind you, and you can always reach us at (678) 344-8900. Quitting tobacco lowers the odds of recurrence, and we're glad to point smokers to support.
Common questions
Does the scope hurt?
Numbing gel is used, and most people describe pressure or a brief sting rather than pain. The look itself usually takes a few minutes, and you can go back to normal activities afterward.
Can I eat beforehand?
Yes. Eating and drinking beforehand is fine, and you can drive home.
Keeping a copy of your original pathology report handy helps if you ever see another doctor.
Related reading