Bladder Cancer

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is a type of genitourinary cancer that starts in the bladder and makes up approximately 5% of all new cancer cases in the U.S. Most cases of bladder cancer start in the cells that line the insides of your bladder. If untreated, bladder cancer can quickly spread to other areas of the body, limiting your treatment options.

Mercy is a leader in diagnosing and treating genitourinary cancers, including bladder cancers. Our team of cancer specialists will pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and develop a unique treatment plan for relief. 

Types of Bladder Cancer

There are numerous types of bladder cancer that are categorized depending on where it formed, in addition to other factors. According to the American Cancer Society, bladder cancers may be described as invasive or non-invasive based on whether they have spread into the bladder wall. 

• Non-invasive bladder cancer - cells are found in the inner layer of cells but have not grown into the deeper layers.
• Invasive bladder cancer - cells that have grown into the deeper layers of the bladder wall, making them more likely to spread and more difficult to treat.  

Bladder cancer is also divided into two subtypes:  papillary carcinomas and flat carcinomas, based on how they grow.

Urothelial Carcinoma

Also referred to as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), urothelial carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer. TCC is a papillary or flat tumor that grows into the deeper layers of the bladder. 

Other Types of Bladder Cancer

There are additional types of bladder cancer, yet they are very rare. Other bladder cancer types include the following.

• Squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma makes up only about 1 - 2% of all bladder cancers in the US and is almost always invasive. It develops in the bladder lining in response to chronic irritation and inflammation, often the result of an infection.
• Adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma makes up about 1% of all bladder cancers and almost all cases of adenocarcinoma in the bladder are invasive.
• Small cell carcinoma. Small cell carcinoma begins in the neuroendocrine cells and makes up less than 1% of all bladder cancers in the US. It typically grows very quickly but can be treated effectively with chemotherapy.
  
• Sarcoma. Bladder sarcomas start in the muscle layer of the bladder wall and tend to form in openings between the ureters and the urethra. However, they can also develop in the bladder itself. Bladder sarcomas are the most common kind of genitourinary sarcomas.

Bladder Cancer Causes & Risk Factors

Although all of the causes of bladder cancer are unknown, researchers do know that some cases are related to gene mutations that occur during a person's lifetime. Additional risks for bladder cancer may include the following factors.

Bladder Cancer Signs & Symptoms

As with most genitourinary cancers, the earlier bladder cancer is found, the more successful treatment is likely to be. In about 90% of cases, one of the first signs of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. Additional signs of bladder cancer can include:

Advanced Bladder Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms of more advanced bladder cancer can include:

It’s not unusual for people showing signs of bladder cancer to assume their symptoms are not cancerous. That’s because common symptoms are often similar to other medical conditions, such as a urinary tract infection or an overactive bladder. If you notice any changes in your urination habits or see blood in your urine, talk to your Mercy doctor immediately.

Diagnosing & Treating Bladder Cancer

Mercy’s cancer specialists will create an individualized treatment plan based on your needs and condition. Using a combination of proven screening tools and testing procedures, your Mercy doctor will diagnose your cancer and discuss the next steps with you. 

How to Test for Bladder Cancer 

Bladder cancer is often diagnosed in its early stages and is typically diagnosed by the following diagnostic imaging and labs.

Bladder Cancer Prevention

Bladder cancer cannot be completely prevented. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk factors that are within your control. Preventive factors include:

• Avoiding tobacco products
• Limiting exposure to workplace chemicals known to cause bladder cancer, such as asbestos and radon
• Drinking water to stay hydrated

Bladder Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment for bladder cancer generally involves surgery. Additional treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, may be given either before or after surgery to help with your recovery. No matter what stage your bladder cancer is in, Mercy will help develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.