What is bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells, usually originating in the bladder lining. The bladder is an organ located in the pelvic cavity that stores and discharges urine. Urine is produced by the kidneys, carried to the bladder by hollow tubes called ureters, and discharged from the bladder through a tube called the urethra.

The uncontrolled growth of these abnormal bladder cells eventually forms tumors. A tumor is a mass or lump of tissue made of these uncontrolled, abnormal cells. Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancerous, and cells from benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. In most cases, benign tumors do not come back after they are removed. Benign tumors are rarely a threat to life. Malignant tumors are cancerous. They are generally more serious and can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs.

The wall of the bladder is lined with cells called transitional cells and squamous cells. More than 90% of bladder cancers begin in the transitional cells. The same type of cells occurs in the kidneys, ureters, and urethra, where malignant tumors may also be found.

Some bladder cancers remain confined to the bladder lining (called carcinoma in situ). But other cancers are invasive, growing into or through the bladder wall, and eventually into nearby lymph nodes and adjacent organs. The cancer may metastasize (spread) over time to other organs, including the vagina and uterus in women, the prostate in men, and the lungs, liver, or bones.

Smoking is the greatest single risk factor for bladder cancer.

Treating bladder cancer that has metastasized (spread) can be difficult, but if the bladder cancer is detected early, before it has metastasized, the chances of a successful treatment with minimal side effects is likely.

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Bladder cancer is the rapid, uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lining of the bladder, the part of the urinary tract that serves as a collection pouch for urine. The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine (hematuria), and other symptoms include pain during urination and frequent urination.

The cause of bladder cancer is not known. But it is more likely to develop in smokers than in nonsmokers. Men are more likely than women to develop bladder cancer.

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy.