Types of Cancer » Bladder Cancer

bladder cancer (BLA-der KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in tissues of the bladder (the organ that stores urine). Most bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas (cancer that forms in cells in the innermost tissue layer of the bladder). Other types include squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the inside of the bladder) and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).

bladder The organ that stores urine.

stage 0 bladder cancer Cancer is found on tissue lining the inside of the bladder only. Stage 0 is divided into stage 0a and stage 0is, depending on the type of the tumor. Stage 0a is also called papillary carcinoma, which may look like tiny mushrooms growing from the lining of the bladder. Stage 0is is also called carcinoma in situ, which is a flat tumor on the tissue lining the inside of the bladder.

stage I bladder cancer Cancer has spread to the connective tissue layer below the inner lining of the bladder.

stage II bladder cancer Cancer has spread to either the inner layer or outer layer of the muscle wall of the bladder.

stage III bladder cancer Cancer has spread from the bladder to the fatty layer of tissue surrounding it, and may have spread to the reproductive organs (prostate, uterus, vagina).

stage IV bladder cancer Cancer has spread from the bladder to the wall of the abdomen or pelvis. Cancer may have spread to one or more lymph nodes or to other parts of the body.