Types of Bladder Cancer

There are rarer types of bladder cancer, but the three most common are:

Urothelial carcinoma: This comprises most bladder cancers. Urothelial carcinoma usually begins in the mucosa or the innermost layer of the bladder, which is lined with urothelial cells. Urothelial cells also line other parts of the urinary tract, so patients with urothelial carcinoma should have their urinary systems examined for the presence of cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma: This type is usually associated with chronic irritation of the bladder that may result from infection or use of a urinary catheter.

Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer develops in the mucus-secreting cells and account for about 1% of bladder cancers in the U.S.

Other factors in diagnosis and treatment planning
There are additional considerations beyond type that affect recommendations your care team may make for treatment.

Stage: If the cancer has progressed from the inner most layer of the bladder (mucosa) to the wall of the bladder, it is a sign that the cancer may be more difficult to treat and be more likely to progress to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

Grade: describes how abnormal the cells appear under the microscope.

• Low-grade bladder cancer cells appear more normal and are usually less aggressive,
• High-grade bladder cancer cells are more obviously abnormal and are more prone to be aggressive.