Bladder Cancer

Bladder Cancer is a disease that starts in the liner lining of the bladder.  The bladder is a hollow organ that stores urine. 

Cancer is a disease in which cells in an area of the body begin changing and multiplying out of control. The multiplying cells may form a lump of tissue (tumor). With time, the cancer cells destroy healthy tissue. They may spread to other parts of the body. Why cells become cancerous is not clear, but bladder cancer is strongly linked to cigarette smoking. The longer a person smokes and the more a person smokes, the greater that person’s chances of developing bladder cancer.  Other potential causes include environmental chemical exposure, advanced age & family history of bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer can be categorized as non-muscle invasive or muscle invasive, depending on how far it has progressed.

Types of Bladder Cancer

Three main types of bladder cancer:

• Papillary tumors stick out from the bladder lining on a stalk. They tend to grow into the bladder cavity, away from the bladder wall, instead of deeper into the layers of the bladder wall.
• Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is a cancerous patch of bladder lining. The patch may look almost normal or may look inflamed.
• Sessile tumors lie flat against the bladder lining. Sessile tumors are much more likely than papillary tumors to grow deeper into the layers of the bladder wall.

Each type of tumor can be present in one or more areas of the bladder, and more than one type can be present at the same time.

Evaluating Bladder Cancer

A urine sample will be collected at your first visit. Following your exam, your provider will determine which additional tests are necessary. Some common tests are listed below.

• Lab tests
• Imaging (i.e., CT scan, Ultrasound, X-ray)
• Cystoscopy (see procedures)
• Bladder biopsy

Treating Bladder Cancer

Your provider will work with you to individualize your treatment plan. It may include:

• Surgical Treatment
• Intravesical/Local Treatment – For more information, click on this link: Intravesical Therapy Video
• Immuno/Oncology/Radiation Therapy