Bladder Cancer

What is Bladder Cancer?

"Bladder cancer is a common type of cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder. The bladder is a hollow muscular organ in your lower abdomen that stores urine.
Bladder cancer most often begins in the cells (urothelial cells) that line the inside of your bladder. Urothelial cells are also found in your kidneys and the tubes (ureters) that connect the kidneys to the bladder. Urothelial cancer can happen in the kidneys and ureters, too, but it's much more common in the bladder.." (Visit Bladder Cancer, Mayo Clinic, for more information).

Different Types of Bladder Cancer:

"There are three types of bladder cancer that begin in cells in the lining of the bladder. These cancers are named for the type of cells that become malignant (cancerous):

Transitional cell carcinoma: Cancer that begins in cells in the innermost tissue layer of the bladder. These cells are able to stretch when the bladder is full and shrink when it is emptied. Most bladder cancers begin in the transitional cells. Transitional cell carcinoma can be low-grade or high-grade:
Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that begins in squamous cells (thin, flat cells lining the inside of the bladder). Cancer may form after long-term infection or irritation.
Adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in glandular cells that are found in the lining of the bladder. Glandular cells in the bladder make substances such as mucus. This is a very rare type of bladder cancer.

Cancer that is in the lining of the bladder is called superficial bladder cancer. Cancer that has spread through the lining of the bladder and invades the muscle wall of the bladder or has spread to nearby organs and lymph nodes is called invasive bladder cancer," (Visit Bladder Cancer Treatment,  for more information).

Types of Treatments:

Depending on the cancer type and its stage of advancement, treatments may be local or systemic. A local treatment means that only the area around the tumor is affected, whereas systemic treatments impact cancer cells throughout the body. Systemic treatments are usually drug therapies.

Common Treatments

Visit Treating Bladder Cancer, for more information

Caring For a Loved One with Bladder Cancer

Caring for Someone with Bladder CancerVery Well Health 

This article provides crucial steps to guide you through caring for someone with bladder cancer, such as researching the disease, being prepared to multitask, and taking care of yourself.

Caregiving for a Loved One With Bladder Cancer - CancerCare

“This booklet provides information, guidance and resources for people helping to care for a loved
one with bladder cancer.” This guide offers personal and professional recommendations to assist
in your caregiving role.

Resources for Caregivers & PatientsBladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN)

BCAN has created a useful and free handbook for patients of bladder cancer and their caregivers. Their site also offers valuable tips on maintaining self-care, providing emotional support, and having difficult end-of-life conversations.

Information for Bladder Cancer Caregivers American Bladder Cancer Society

The American Bladder Cancer Society is dedicated to answering questions about bladder cancer and offering a supportive community for patients with bladder cancer and their caregivers.

Caring For a Loved One with Bladder Cancer

Caring for Someone with Bladder CancerVery Well Health 

This article provides crucial steps to guide you through caring for someone with bladder cancer, such as researching the disease, being prepared to multitask, and taking care of yourself.

For Caregivers: Practical Tips to Cope with Your Loved One’s Bladder Cancer - CancerCare

This audio recording of a workshop from March 28, 2018, covers the important role of the caregiver in communicating with the health care team, helping to manage your loved one’s treatment, coping with holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions, and more.

Resources for Caregivers & PatientsBladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN)

BCAN has created a useful and free handbook for patients of bladder cancer and their caregivers. Their site also offers valuable tips on maintaining self-care, providing emotional support, and having difficult end-of-life conversations.

Information for Bladder Cancer Caregivers American Bladder Cancer Society

The American Bladder Cancer Society is dedicated to answering questions about bladder cancer and offering a supportive community for patients with bladder cancer and their caregivers.