What is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer occurs when cells of the bladder grow too quickly, become cancerous and form tumors.
Most bladder cancer is urothelial carcinoma, which starts in the cells in the lining of the bladder and urinary tract, the ureters and urethra.
Types of Bladder Cancer
- Urothelial Carcinoma (90 percent of bladder cancers)
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
- Small Cell Carcinoma
- Sarcoma
Non-Muscle Invasive or Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancers are classified according to whether the tumor has grown into the muscle of the bladder wall. This classification determines what kind of treatment will be most effective for you.
- Non-Muscle Invasive: The bladder cancer is found only in the inner lining of the bladder.
- Muscle-Invasive: The bladder cancer has grown into the muscles of the bladder wall and is more likely to spread.
What are the Symptoms of Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer is typically discovered through symptoms. You should
see a urologist if you have one of the following symptoms, which may be a sign of cancer or another bladder condition.
- Blood in your urine, causing your urine to look orange, pink or dark red
- Frequency of urinating increases, including during the night
- Urge to urinate increases, even when your bladder isn’t full
- Pain or burning during urination
- Weak urine stream or trouble urinating
Accurate Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer
At Hackensack Meridian
Health, you’ll find New Jersey’s most experienced team of urologists, uroradiologists and uropathologists who specialize in diagnosing bladder cancer. You have access to the most advanced diagnostics available. We are one of only two in the state to offer blue light cystoscopy that is proven to better identify cancer and reduce the chance of cancer returning.