Blue Light Technology Brings Bladder Cancer into Focus
June 17, 2025
Men are three times more likely than women to be diagnosed with bladder cancer
Blue light may have a bad reputation for disrupting sleep, but in the hands of a skilled urologist, it reveals hard-to-reach bladder tumors that once hid in the dark.
HSHS St. John’s Hospital is excited to offer Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview, which enhances the visibility of cancerous bladder tumors that often go undetected with traditional white light. The innovative, quick procedure leads to a quicker diagnosis and treatment for patients.
“This new procedure is more than a technological upgrade – it is a step forward in how we care for patients with bladder cancer,” said Dr. Ashish Tokhi, HSHS Central Illinois Market Chief Medical Officer. “Easy, accurate detection saves lives, and we are excited to lead with this visionary approach.”
Bladder cancer is the 10th leading cause of cancer death in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Men are three times more likely than women to be diagnosed with bladder cancer – a timely reminder since June is Men’s Health Month.
The Cysview solution is introduced into the patient’s bladder via a catheter an hour before the procedure. The urologist then inserts into the bladder a cystoscope – a long, thin tube with a camera and light on one end – giving a view of the organ’s tissue. Cysview causes cancerous tumors to glow pink under blue light, making them easier to identify and treat than with white light alone.
As a urologist with partner organization SIU Medicine, Dr. Mohammad Mahmoud said the new procedure takes diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer to a higher level.
“Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview allows me to detect urinary bladder tumors with greater precision,” Mahmoud said. “It’s like turning on a spotlight in a dark room – I can find that hidden cancer and remove it, thus halting progression into an advanced stage.”
Learn more here.
Blue light may have a bad reputation for disrupting sleep, but in the hands of a skilled urologist, it reveals hard-to-reach bladder tumors that once hid in the dark.
HSHS St. John’s Hospital is excited to offer Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview, which enhances the visibility of cancerous bladder tumors that often go undetected with traditional white light. The innovative, quick procedure leads to a quicker diagnosis and treatment for patients.
“This new procedure is more than a technological upgrade – it is a step forward in how we care for patients with bladder cancer,” said Dr. Ashish Tokhi, HSHS Central Illinois Market Chief Medical Officer. “Easy, accurate detection saves lives, and we are excited to lead with this visionary approach.”
Bladder cancer is the 10th leading cause of cancer death in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Men are three times more likely than women to be diagnosed with bladder cancer – a timely reminder since June is Men’s Health Month.
The Cysview solution is introduced into the patient’s bladder via a catheter an hour before the procedure. The urologist then inserts into the bladder a cystoscope – a long, thin tube with a camera and light on one end – giving a view of the organ’s tissue. Cysview causes cancerous tumors to glow pink under blue light, making them easier to identify and treat than with white light alone.
As a urologist with partner organization SIU Medicine, Dr. Mohammad Mahmoud said the new procedure takes diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer to a higher level.
“Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview allows me to detect urinary bladder tumors with greater precision,” Mahmoud said. “It’s like turning on a spotlight in a dark room – I can find that hidden cancer and remove it, thus halting progression into an advanced stage.”
Learn more here.
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