Prognosis depends on the stage, grade and type of bladder cancer and the type of treatment used. Patients with superficial tumors have the best chance of survival. Those with more invasive tumors or metastatic cancer generally have a poorer outcome.
Initially, the tumor involves only the bladder lining. As it progresses and grows, it invades the bladder muscle, tissues around the bladder and adjacent organs.
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Transitional cell carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer. It begins in the transitional cells in the inner layer of the bladder.
- Squamous cell carcinoma begins after a long-term infection or irritation in the bladder.
- Adenocarcinoma begins in the glandular cells in the bladder after long-term bladder irritation and inflammation.
There are three types of bladder cancer:
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The tumor involves only the bladder lining
- Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes
- Cancer has spread to distant sites in other areas of the body
The stage is determined by whether:
Treatment options vary depending on the stage.
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The tumor involves only the bladder lining
- Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes
- Cancer has spread to distant sites in other areas of the body
The stage is determined by whether:
Treatment options vary depending on the stage.
