Bladder Cancer

CancerGuru Types of Cancer Bladder

Overview

Bladder cancer is a less common type of cancer that begins in the lining of the bladder. It can be treated in different ways, including surgery to remove the tumor. Since bladder cancer can return after treatment, it’s important for people who have had it to attend regular follow-up appointments and stay in close contact with their healthcare team.

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer that begins in the lining of the bladder. The bladder is a small, hollow organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine. This kind of cancer can affect both men and women, though it’s more common in older adults. Bladder cancer is usually found early, which makes it easier to treat. Treatment options vary, but surgery to remove the cancer is one of the most common approaches.

Even after successful treatment, bladder cancer has a high chance of coming back. About 75% of early-stage bladder cancers return after treatment. That’s why regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are very important. Doctors usually monitor patients closely with tests and checkups to catch any signs of the cancer returning. Staying on top of follow-up care helps manage the disease and increases the chances of finding it early if it comes back. Being aware and acting plays a key role in long-term health.

Types of Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer can begin in different types of cells found in the bladder. The type of cell where the cancer starts helps doctors decide which treatments may be most effective. Here are the main types of bladder cancer:

Advancing age:
Urothelial carcinoma: This is the most common type of bladder cancer in the United States. It begins in the cells that line the inside of the bladder. These cells stretch when the bladder is full and shrink when it is empty. They also line the inside of the ureters and the urethra, so cancer can sometimes form in those areas as well. Urothelial carcinoma was previously called transitional cell carcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma:
This type is linked to long-term irritation or infection in the bladder. It can develop after repeated bladder infections or long-term use of a urinary catheter. Although it is rare in the United States, it is more common in areas where a parasitic infection called schistosomiasis often causes bladder problems.
Adenocarcinoma:
This rare type of bladder cancer starts in the gland cells that produce mucus inside the bladder. Adenocarcinoma of the bladder makes up a small percentage of cases.

Some bladder cancers can include more than one type of cancer cell.

Risk Factors

Several factors may raise your chances of developing bladder cancer. Some are related to lifestyle, while others may be linked to age, medical history, or environmental exposure. Knowing these risks can help you talk with your doctor about ways to protect your health. Here are some common risk factors for bladder cancer:

Smoking:
Using cigarettes, cigars, or pipes can raise your risk of bladder cancer. Harmful chemicals from tobacco smoke enter your body and pass into your urine. These chemicals can damage the bladder lining over time, which increases the chance of cancer developing.
Older age:
Bladder cancer can occur at any age, but the risk becomes higher as you get older. Most people who are diagnosed are over the age of 55.
Being male:
Men are more likely than women to develop bladder cancer. The reasons for this are not fully understood but may involve differences in exposure and biology.
Exposure to certain chemicals:
Some jobs involve working with harmful chemicals that may increase the risk of bladder cancer. These include chemicals used to make dyes, rubber, leather, textiles, and paint. Arsenic, a toxic substance that may be found in contaminated water, is also linked to bladder cancer. The kidneys help filter these chemicals from the blood, which means the bladder may meet them often.
Previous cancer treatment:
If you have received the anti-cancer drug cyclophosphamide, your risk of bladder cancer may be higher. Radiation therapy to the pelvic area can also raise the risk later in life.
Chronic bladder inflammation:
Repeated bladder infections or long-term inflammation (also called cystitis) can increase the risk, especially for a type called squamous cell carcinoma. People who use a urinary catheter for long periods may face this risk. In some parts of the world, a parasitic infection called schistosomiasis is a major cause of long-term bladder inflammation and is linked to bladder cancer.
Personal or family history of cancer:
If you have had bladder cancer before, you are more likely to get it again. A family history of bladder cancer may slightly increase your risk, although bladder cancer does not often run in families. In rare cases, an inherited condition called Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) can raise the risk of bladder cancer, along with cancers in the colon, uterus, ovaries, and other areas.

Symptoms

Bladder cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms right away. But as it develops, it often causes changes in your urination. Paying attention to these signs can help you catch the condition early. Some of these symptoms may be caused by other health problems, but it is always best to check with a healthcare provider. Here are the most common symptoms of bladder cancer:

Blood in your urine (hematuria):
This is the most common symptom. You may notice pink, red, or dark brown urine. Sometimes, the blood may be present in such small amounts that it can only be seen under a microscope during a urine test. While blood in your urine is not always caused by cancer, it should never be ignored.
Pain or burning when urinating (dysuria):
You might feel a burning or stinging feeling when you urinate. Some men may also feel pain in the penis before or after urinating. This kind of pain can also happen with infections, but it can be a sign of something more serious.
Frequent urination:
You may feel the need to urinate more often than usual during the day or night. Even if you are not drinking more fluids, the urge to go may increase.
Trouble starting or maintaining urine flow:
You might have a weak urine stream, or it may start and stop as you try to urinate. Some people may feel like they cannot empty their bladder fully.
Ongoing bladder infections:
Bladder infections and bladder cancer can have similar symptoms. If you are treated for a bladder infection with antibiotics and your symptoms continue, your healthcare provider may want to look deeper to find out what is going on.

Causes

Doctors and researchers do not fully understand why some bladder cells change and become cancerous. In many cases, several different factors may play a part. Some of these factors increase the chance of damage to the cells in the bladder over time. Here are some known causes that may raise the risk of bladder cancer:

Cigarette smoke:
Smoking cigarettes is one of the biggest risk factors for bladder cancer. It more than doubles your risk. People who smoke cigars or pipes, or who are around secondhand smoke, may also face a higher risk. Harmful chemicals from tobacco can pass into the urine and damage the bladder lining.
Radiation exposure:
People who have received radiation therapy in the pelvic area to treat other types of cancer may be at a higher risk of bladder cancer later in life.
Chemotherapy drugs:
Some medications used to treat cancer, especially certain types of chemotherapy, have been linked to a higher risk of developing bladder cancer in the future.
Exposure to certain workplace chemicals:
Long-term exposure to chemicals used in the making of dyes, rubber, leather, textiles, and paint may raise the risk. Some hairdressing products also contain chemicals that could increase the chance of developing bladder cancer over time.
Frequent bladder infections:
Ongoing problems with bladder infections, bladder stones, or other urinary tract infections may lead to long-term irritation. This can increase the chance of developing a specific type of bladder cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.
Long-term catheter use:
People who need to use a catheter regularly, such as those with certain medical conditions or injuries, may face a higher risk of squamous cell bladder cancer due to constant irritation of the bladder lining.

Diagnosis

If your symptoms or test results make your doctor think you might have bladder cancer, they’ll run more tests to find out if it’s cancer or something else. Here are the tests that help diagnose bladder cancer:

Cystoscopy

This test lets the doctor look inside your bladder and urethra (the tube that carries urine out). A thin tube called a cystoscope is slowly inserted through the urethra into the bladder. It has a light and a lens so the doctor can see clearly. The bladder is filled with fluid to make it easier to see. The doctor may also use the cystoscope to take tissue samples or remove small tumors during this test.

Biopsy

A biopsy is usually done during a cystoscopy. The doctor removes a small piece of tissue from the bladder. Then a pathologist looks at it under a microscope to check for cancer. Sometimes, the whole tumor can be taken out during the biopsy. Afterward, you may have blood in your urine or feel a burning sensation when you pee, but this usually goes away in a day or two.

CT Urogram

A CT urogram is a special type of CT scan that takes pictures of your urinary system after a contrast dye is injected into a vein. This shows your kidneys, bladder, and tubes that carry urine, helping your doctor check for any problems.

IVP

An IVP (intravenous pyelogram) is an older test that also uses contrast dye and X-rays to take pictures as the dye moves through your urinary tract.

Urine Tumor Marker Test

This test checks your urine for substances linked to bladder cancer. These may be made by cancer cells or by your body’s response to cancer. It can help doctors decide if more tests are needed.

CT scan

A CT scan takes detailed pictures of the inside of your body. A dye may be used to make certain areas stand out better. It helps show the size of the tumor and if it has spread.

MRI

An MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create clear pictures of your bladder and nearby organs. A dye may be used, and the test may be done in three phases for better detail.

Chest X-ray

This checks if the cancer has spread to your lungs

Bone Scan

This test finds out if cancer has spread to your bones. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into your blood, and a scanner checks if it collects in your bones.

Getting a Second Opinion

Some people choose to get a second opinion to be sure about their diagnosis or treatment plan. You’ll need to share your test results with the second doctor, who may agree with your current doctor or suggest another option.

Bladder cancer treatment background image

Treatments

There are several ways to treat bladder cancer, and your doctor will help create a plan that fits your situation. This plan depends on the type of bladder cancer, how far it has spread, your overall health, and what matters most to you. Some people may need more than one type of treatment, and it helps to ask your care team what to expect before starting.

Surgery

Surgery is one of the most common treatments for bladder cancer. The type of surgery depends on where the tumor is and how deep it has grown. Some people have only a small part of the bladder removed, while others may need the whole bladder taken out. When the bladder is removed, doctors create a new way for the body to pass urine. Surgery can be used alone or with other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It’s often used when surgery is not possible or when the cancer is harder to remove completely. Most of the time, radiation is given from a machine outside the body and is aimed at the bladder area. It can also be combined with chemotherapy to help make the treatment work better.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses strong medicine to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It can be given through a vein (systemic) to treat cancer throughout the body, or it can be put directly into the bladder (intravesical) to treat cancer that hasn’t spread. Some people get chemo before or after surgery, and different drug combinations may be used depending on the cancer stage.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system find and attack cancer cells. Some types are given into a vein to travel through the body, while others are placed directly into the bladder. The most common intravesical immunotherapy drug is BCG. These treatments are often used for early-stage bladder cancer or when other treatments have not worked.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses drugs that block specific parts of cancer cells to stop them from growing. These treatments only work if your cancer has certain gene changes, so your doctor may order tests first. Targeted therapy is usually given to people with advanced bladder cancer or when other treatments are not effective.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials test new treatments to see how well they work and how safe they are. You might join a trial if you’ve tried other treatments or want access to newer options. Some trials also look at ways to improve side effects or make treatments easier to handle. Your doctor can help you find a clinical trial that fits your situation.

Follow-Up Care

After treatment ends, regular checkups are needed to make sure the cancer doesn’t come back. These visits may include urine tests, scans, or a look inside the bladder using a scope. Follow-up care also gives you a chance to talk about any side effects or concerns you might have after treatment.

Side Effects of Treatment

Cancer treatment focuses on removing the cancer, shrinking tumors, and lowering the risk of it coming back. But these treatments can also affect your body in other ways. Knowing about the possible side effects early can help you plan better, ask the right questions, and get the support you need.

Fatigue: The most common side effect of treatment, this type of tiredness feels deeper and more intense than usual fatigue.
Hearing Changes: Some chemo drugs may cause high-pitched hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Low Blood Counts: A drop in blood cells may lead to infections, tiredness, or anemia, and could require treatment.
Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms can happen but are often manageable with the right medications.
Peripheral Neuropathy: Some drugs can damage nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet.
Urinary and Sexual Function: Surgery may lead to urinary incontinence or sexual problems if nerves are affected.
Nerve-Sparing Approach: When possible, surgeons may avoid damaging nerves, especially if the tumor is small and limited.
Urinary Changes: You may experience urgency, frequent urination, or blood in your urine temporarily after surgery.
Bowel Recovery: It can take some time for normal bowel function to return.
Self-Catheterization: In some cases, you may need to drain your bladder using a catheter. Your provider will guide you on this.

Support

Being told you have bladder cancer can change your life in an instant. It’s normal to feel nervous, confused, or even scared. But you don’t have to go through it alone. There’s a lot of support out there to help you face the road ahead emotionally, physically, and practically. From doctors and nurses to family, friends, and other survivors, the right support system can make a big difference in how you feel day-to-day.

Medical Support

Your doctors, nurses, and specialists will guide you through your treatment. You might work with a urologist, oncologist, surgeon, and other professionals who specialize in bladder cancer. They’ll explain what’s going on, help manage side effects and answer any questions. Clear and open communication makes everything smoother.

Emotional and Mental Health Support

Dealing with cancer can affect your mental health too. It’s normal to feel anxious, sad, or overwhelmed. Talking to a counselor or therapist who understands cancer-related stress can help. You might also find comfort in journaling, meditation, or just having a heart-to-heart with someone you trust.

Support Groups and Peer Connections

Connecting with others who’ve been through bladder cancer can be powerful. Support groups, online or in person are a safe space to share your thoughts and hear from others who’ve walked the same path. It helps to know you’re not the only one going through this.

Family and Friends

Your loved ones want to support you, they just might not know how. Be open about what you need. That might mean helping with everyday chores, trips to appointments, or just having someone to listen to. Even small things can make a big difference.

Practical Support Services

Cancer treatment can make daily life tough, but some services can help. You might qualify for transportation to medical appointments, financial help, nutritional support, or home care during recovery. A hospital social worker or care navigator can point you in the right direction.

Work and School Support

If you’re working or going to school during treatment, talk to someone about what’s going on. You might be able to change your schedule, take medical leave, or get other accommodations that make things easier while you focus on your health.

Research

Bladder cancer research keeps moving forward. Thanks to dedicated scientists, doctors, and patients, we now know more about this disease than ever before. Researchers are working on better ways to detect bladder cancer early, treat it more precisely, and improve the long-term outlook for people living with it. Every discovery brings new hope and better options.

Understanding the Causes

Scientists are studying what causes bladder cancer, especially how changes in DNA may cause cells in the bladder to grow out of control. They’re also looking at known risk factors, like smoking, certain workplace chemicals, and family history, to better understand who’s most at risk.

Improving Diagnosis

Early detection makes a big difference. Researchers are working on more accurate and less invasive ways to spot bladder cancer early. These include improved urine tests, better imaging scans, and more precise biopsy tools to make diagnosis faster and more reliable.

Targeted Therapies and Precision Medicine

Not all bladder cancers are the same. That’s why scientists are developing treatments that target specific traits in cancer cells. These targeted therapies aim to destroy the cancer while doing less damage to healthy parts of the body. Precision medicine takes it even further, tailoring treatment to each person’s unique cancer.

New Treatments and Drug Trials: Testing what works

Clinical trials are where many new treatments begin. They test new drugs, surgery techniques, or treatment combinations to find what works best. Some trials are for people with advanced cancer, while others aim to improve results in earlier stages. Taking part in a clinical trial helps you, and others in the future.

Reducing Side Effects

It’s not just about beating cancer, it’s about feeling better during and after treatment. Researchers are studying ways to reduce common side effects like fatigue, incontinence, and bowel issues, so patients can maintain a better quality of life throughout their care.

Long-Term Outcomes and Survivorship

With more people surviving bladder cancer, researchers are now looking at what happens next. That includes managing long-term side effects, checking for cancer recurrence, and helping survivors live well after treatment ends. Follow-up care and hormone support are part of the conversation, too.

Support for Ongoing Research

You don’t have to be a scientist to support cancer research. Patients, caregivers, and the community all help by joining clinical trials, donating, or spreading awareness. Every bit of support helps researchers keep making progress and gives future patients more hope.

Prevention

There’s no sure way to prevent bladder cancer, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Making a few healthy choices in your daily life can lower your risk. These steps can also boost your overall health, which helps your body stay strong no matter what.

Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for bladder cancer. If you don’t smoke, that’s great, keep it that way. If you do smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit. Support groups, medications, and quit plans can help you stop for good.

Some chemicals used in certain jobs can increase your risk. If you work around industrial chemicals, always follow safety guidelines. Wear the right protective gear and stick to workplace rules that help limit exposure.

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can do your body a lot of good. The antioxidants in colorful foods like berries, leafy greens, and peppers may help protect your cells from damage that can lead to cancer. Try to include a mix of them every day.

Questions to Ask your Healthcare Provider about Bladder Cancer

Finding out you have bladder cancer can feel overwhelming. You may have a lot of questions, and that’s completely normal. Knowing what to ask your doctor can help you better understand your diagnosis, explore treatment options, and feel more confident about the next steps. This guide includes questions you might want to ask during different stages of bladder cancer.

Q1. How much experience do you have treated this type of cancer?
Q2. What treatment options are available for me?
Q3. Which treatment do you recommend, and why?
Q4. What is the goal of each treatment option?
Q5. Should I get a second opinion? How do I go about that, and can you recommend someone?
Q6. What are the chances that my cancer can be cured?
Q7. Will my bladder need to be removed? Are there other treatments that don’t involve removing it?
Q8. If I have to have my bladder removed, what are my options for passing urine? What are the pros and cons of each option?

Questions to ask your doctor for head and neck cancer

Q1. How will we know if the treatment is working?
Q2. What can I do to manage any side effects?
Q3. What symptoms or side effects should I report right away?
Q4. How can I reach you or someone on your team during nights, weekends, or holidays?
Q5. Should I change what I eat during treatment?
Q6. Are there any activities I should avoid?
Q7. Is it safe for me to exercise? What kind, and how often?
Q8. Are there support groups nearby or online where I can talk with others who’ve been through this?

Q1. Are there any limits on what I can do now that treatment is finished?
Q2. What kind of exercise is safe and helpful at this stage?
Q3. What follow-up care will I need?
Q4. How often will I need checkups or follow-up tests?
Q5. How will we know if the cancer comes back? What symptoms should I look for?
Q6. If the cancer does return, what treatment options would I have?

Questions to ask your doctor for head and neck cancer after treatment

Bladder Cancer

Overview

What is Bladder Cancer?

Types of Bladder Cancer

Advancing age:

Squamous cell carcinoma:

Adenocarcinoma:

Risk Factors

Smoking:

Older age:

Being male:

Exposure to certain chemicals:

Previous cancer treatment:

Chronic bladder inflammation:

Personal or family history of cancer:

Symptoms

Blood in your urine (hematuria):

Pain or burning when urinating (dysuria):

Frequent urination:

Trouble starting or maintaining urine flow:

Ongoing bladder infections:

Causes

Cigarette smoke:

Radiation exposure:

Chemotherapy drugs:

Exposure to certain workplace chemicals:

Frequent bladder infections:

Long-term catheter use: