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Updated on August 15, 2025
The bladder is a roughly triangular-shaped hollow organ located in the pelvis. It is part of the urinary tract. It is made up of multiple layers of tissue, including an inner lining, a layer of connective tissue, a thick muscular layer, and an outermost layer of protective fat.
Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) refers to cancer that has formed in the inner lining of the bladder but has not invaded the muscle that forms the bladder’s thickest layer of tissue. In the United States, most bladder cancers are NMIBC at the time of diagnosis. However, NMIBC is also a group of diverse cancers that carry different risks and require different treatments.
Treatment for NMIBC typically begins with a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the tumor or tumors in the bladder. This procedure is called transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). Once removed, the tumor is sent to a lab for examination and testing, which tells healthcare providers more about the cancer and helps inform the next steps in treatment.
Treatment for NMIBC is often a multistep process. TURBT will typically be used in combination with additional steps to kill off remaining cancer cells or reduce the chances of the cancer recurring.
The therapies used and the duration of therapy will depend on a number of factors about the cancer and about the person being treated, which can influence how likely the cancer is to spread into the bladder’s muscle, how likely it is to recur after treatment, and how it might respond to treatment.
If you or a loved one is living with NMIBC, it’s important to understand your treatment options and how to discuss your treatment options with a healthcare team. Below are some questions to ask when discussing a new treatment option.
If you are discussing a medication:
- What is the name of the medication and the dosage?
- How does the medication work?
- How is the medication administered?
- How often will this medication be administered?
- How long will I be taking this medication?
- What is the goal of this therapy? How will we know it is working? How will I be monitored during this part of treatment?
- What are the potential side effects? Is there a risk of serious side effects?
- How will I feel while taking this medication?
- Are there things I will need to avoid while taking this medication, such as certain foods or activities?
- Can this medication interact with other medications or supplements? Always tell your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including medications for other conditions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
- What will this therapy cost? Who can I talk to if I have concerns about the cost of this treatment?
If you are discussing a medical procedure or surgery:
- What is the name of the procedure?
- What is removed during this procedure? Will I need reconstructive surgery?
- What is the goal of the procedure?
- What are the potential side effects or risks involved with this procedure?
- Do I need any tests or exams before this procedure?
- What healthcare provider will perform this procedure?
- Are there any alternatives to this approach to treatment?
- What will this procedure cost?
- What will the recovery process be like? How long will the recovery process take?
Remember, if you have questions about a diagnosis or treatment, need an explanation, or have concerns, your healthcare provider is your best source of information.
