What is a pyelogram?
This imaging test can help with monitoring the cancerous tissue, and determining if the cancer has spread beyond the bladder. A pyelogram is pefrormed before an X-ray, to help identify specific areas.
For an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) - also known as a intravenous urogram (IVU), a special dye is injected into a vein and then flows into the ureters and bladder. When an X-ray is then taken, the dye outlines the bladder area, which helps in identifying urinary tract tumors.
Pyelogram for bladder cancer
Another type of pyelogram test is known as retrograde pyelogram. This imaging test for bladder cancer also uses a dye to improve the view of the bladder area. With this approach, the dye is injected through a catheter that is placed through the urethra and into the bladder or ureter. This test is useful for people who are allergic to the dye used for the X-ray test.