Why is it called a cystoscopy?

[Jax72]

Is it because they're looking for cysts? Sorry if this is a stupid question.

I've read before that they can't really 'diagnose' IC, they can just rule out everything else. But it mentions here about finding tiny wounds on the bladder wall - surely this would be enough for a diagnosis?

My gyno is booking me in for a cystoscopy next week and I'm kind of scared. :(

Jax

[carried_cub]

There's no such thing as a stupid question.

In this case, things "cyst" mean "dealing with the bladder." Like cardio for heart or gyno for women's repro health.

I think the general consensus you will receive is that IC is a diagnosis of exclusion, but that the things you have to exclude first are important to rule out. A regular cystoscopy will look for things like stones, etc., but a cystoscopy with hydrodistention looks for the telltale tiny wounds you mentioned specifically for IC as well. I think many patients are diagnosed this way. But like me not all patients show those, and I have also heard some normal patients will show tiny wounds under distention (don't quote me on that though).

I understand you're scared but I think you'll be fine. :-> Just ask questions and be prepared, so that you understand the specific procedure and recovery and what questions it may or may not answer. There's excellent info on this site to help as well. If you realize you aren't comfortable with what's being planned, then you'll have time to do what it takes to fix that. :->

Hang in there and good luck!

[ICNDonna]

A cyst is defined as "a closed sac or pouch with a definite wall which contains fluid, semifluid, or solid material." The bladder falls within that definition.

Donna

[Jax72]

Thank you for your answers! That clears up my confusion.

Jax