Bladder Cancer
Cancer that forms in tissues of the bladder is called bladder cancer. Most bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas (cancer that begins in cells that normally make up the inner lining of the bladder). Other types include squamous cell carcinoma, named for the thin, flat cells it begins in, and adenocarcinoma, which is a cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids. The cells that form squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma develop in the inner lining of the bladder as a result of chronic irritation and inflammation.
Estimated new cases and deaths from bladder cancer in the United States in 2007:
- New cases: 67,160
- Deaths: 13,750
Symptoms
Common symptoms of bladder cancer include:
- Blood in the urine (making the urine slightly rusty to deep red)
- Pain during urination
- Frequent urination, or feeling the need to urinate without results
Treatment
Treatment generally begins within a few weeks after the diagnosis. People with bladder cancer have many treatment options. They may have surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or biological therapy. Some patients get a combination of therapies.