Introduction

Bladder cancer is where a growth of abnormal tissue, known as a tumour, develops in the bladder lining. In some cases, the tumour spreads into the surrounding muscles.

The most common symptom of bladder cancer is Urine, blood in the , which is usually painless.

If you notice blood in your urine, even if it comes and goes, you should visit your GP, so the cause can be investigated.

Read about the symptoms of bladder cancer .

Types of bladder cancer

Once diagnosed, bladder cancer can be classified by how far it hasspread.

If the cancerous cells are contained inside the lining of the bladder, doctors describe it as non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.This is the most common type of bladder cancer, accounting for 7 out of 10 cases.Most people don't die as a resultofthis type of bladder cancer.

When the cancerous cells spread beyond the lining, into the surrounding muscles of the bladder, it's referred to as muscle-invasive bladder cancer.This is less common,but has a higher chanceof spreading to other parts of the body and can be fatal.

If bladder cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it's known as locally advanced or metastatic bladder cancer.

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When the bladder is removed, you'll need another way ofcollecting your urine. Possible options include making an opening in the abdomen so urine can be passed into an externalbag, or constructing a new bladder out of a section of bowel. This will be done at the same time as a cystectomy.

If it's possible to avoid removing the bladder, or if surgeryis not suitable, a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be recommended. Chemotherapy may sometimes be used on its own before surgery or before being combined with radiotherapy.

After treatment for all types of bladder cancer, you'll have regular follow-up tests to check for signs of recurrence.

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Who is affected?

About 10,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer every year and it's the seventh most common cancer in the UK.

The conditionis more common in older adults, with more than half of all newcases diagnosed in peopleaged 75 and above.

Bladder cancer is also more common in men than in women, possibly because in the past, men were more likely to smoke and work in themanufacturing industry.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 30 Nov 2016