Skip to content
Conditions

Urology · Cancer care

Bladder cancer

Understand the assessment of a bladder tumour, treatment options and follow-up with your medical team.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

This cancer develops in the bladder wall, the reservoir that stores urine before it leaves the body. It most often starts in the inner lining. It may remain in the inner layers or reach the muscle and other tissues.

Possible symptoms

Blood in the urine, burning, or frequent and urgent urination may occur. These signs also have other causes, including infection: they cannot establish a cancer diagnosis on their own.

Causes and associated factors

Smoking and some workplace exposures to chemicals increase risk. Age and certain aspects of medical history also matter. Tell your doctor about exposures and previous treatments; support to stop smoking may be offered.

Diagnosis

Your doctor assesses symptoms and medical history. Microscopic examination of tissue samples confirms the diagnosis and identifies the tumour’s characteristics.

Tests

Cystoscopy looks inside the bladder with a camera passed through the urethra; tissue samples may be needed. Depending on the findings, urine and blood tests, ultrasound, CT or MRI can complete the assessment. Not everyone needs all these tests.

Course of the condition

Whether the muscle is involved is an important finding, alongside the tumour’s grade and extent. Cancer can recur after treatment: follow-up checks for recurrence and complications on an individual schedule.

Care options

For some forms that have not reached the muscle, removal through the urethra may be followed by medicines placed inside the bladder. A second resection is sometimes needed. Other situations may call for discussing bladder removal, radiotherapy or medicines, sometimes in combination. If the bladder is removed, another way of passing urine must be planned. Choices depend on the assessment, your health and your preferences.

When to consult

Seek prompt medical advice if you see blood in your urine, even once, in a small amount or without pain. Do not wait for it to happen again before seeking care.

Urgent help

If you cannot urinate or have severe abdominal pain, seek medical help immediately. During treatment placed inside the bladder, report fever or an unusual reaction to your care team without delay and follow their emergency instructions.

Questions for your doctor

  • Has the bladder muscle been affected, and what does the grade mean?
  • What is the goal of the proposed treatment, and which alternatives suit me?
  • How will I pass urine after treatment?
  • What effects on daily life and sexual function can we prepare for?
  • What follow-up is planned, and who should I contact about a new symptom?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

Our articles

Discover all Elysium Editions →

Sources