Bladder cancer is a cancer that occurs in the bladder, which is a small, muscular sac in the lower abdomen that stores urine. Bladder cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in men and the ninth most common type of cancer in women.

Types of Bladder Cancer

There are three main types of bladder cancer:.

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) – The most common type of bladder cancer, which affects the lining of the bladder.
Squamous cell carcinoma – A type of bladder cancer that can develop from long-term irritation or inflammation of the bladder, such as from frequent urinary tract infections or long-term use of a urinary catheter.
Adenocarcinoma – A rare type of bladder cancer that develops from the glandular cells in the bladder.

Causes of Bladder Cancer

The exact cause of bladder cancer is unknown, but there are several factors that may increase the risk of developing bladder cancer:.

Smoking – Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for bladder cancer, with smokers being up to three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than non-smokers.
Age – Bladder cancer is more common in older adults, with the majority of cases occurring in people over 55 years old.
Gender – Bladder cancer is more common in men than in women.
Family history – People with a family history of bladder cancer may have an increased risk of developing the disease.
Exposure to certain chemicals – People who have been exposed to certain chemicals, such as those used in the manufacturing of rubber, leather, textiles, and paint products, may be at an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.
Chronic bladder inflammation – Chronic inflammation of the bladder, which can be caused by frequent urinary tract infections or the use of a urinary catheter, may increase the risk of developing bladder cancer.

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, which may be visible to the naked eye or only detectable under a microscope. Other symptoms may include:.

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Urinary urgency and/or frequency
Pain or discomfort during urination
Lower back pain
Pelvic pain
Unexplained weight loss

Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer

If bladder cancer is suspected, the following tests and procedures may be used to make a diagnosis:.

Physical exam – The doctor will examine the abdomen and pelvis for signs of a bladder tumor.
Urine tests – Urine samples may be analyzed for the presence of cancer cells or other abnormal cells.
Cystoscopy – A flexible, lighted tube called a cystoscope is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to examine the bladder and remove tissue samples for testing.
Imaging tests – Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasound may be used to determine the size and location of the tumor.

Treatment of Bladder Cancer

The treatment options for bladder cancer depend on the stage and grade of the cancer, as well as the age and overall health of the patient. Treatment options may include:.

Surgery – Surgery may be used to remove the tumor or the entire bladder if the cancer is more advanced.
Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells, and may be used before or after surgery or as the primary treatment for more advanced bladder cancer.
Radiation therapy – Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and may be used in combination with chemotherapy or as the primary treatment for more advanced bladder cancer.
Immunotherapy – Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer and may be used in combination with other treatments or as a standalone treatment for some types of bladder cancer.