Bladder cancer is a malignant tumor that arises from the lining of the urinary bladder, most often from the specialized transitional (urothelial) epithelium. It occurs more frequently in older adults and is several times more common in men than in women. Many sources and patient guides describe the condition and its management; for background see further cancer resources and anatomical references such as the bladder.

Types and pathology

Bladder cancers are classified by the type of cell involved and by how far the tumor invades the bladder wall. Common histologic types include:

  • Urothelial (transitional cell) carcinoma — the most frequent form in many regions.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma — associated with chronic irritation in some settings.
  • Adenocarcinoma — a less common subtype arising from glandular cells.
  • Carcinoma in situ — a flat, high‑grade lesion confined to the lining.

Symptoms and presentation

The most common presenting feature is painless visible blood in the urine (hematuria). Other signs can include urinary frequency, urgency, dysuria, and pelvic or back discomfort if the disease is advanced. Because symptoms overlap with benign conditions, persistent or unexplained hematuria warrants prompt evaluation.

Diagnosis and staging

Evaluation typically combines urine testing, endoscopic inspection and imaging. Key steps are:

  • Urine analysis and cytology to detect abnormal cells.
  • Cystoscopy with direct visualization and biopsy or transurethral resection (TURBT) for histologic diagnosis.
  • Cross‑sectional imaging (ultrasound, CT urography or MRI) to assess tumor extent and spread.

Treatment and follow‑up

Management depends on stage and grade. Non‑muscle‑invasive tumors are often treated by TURBT followed, when indicated, by intravesical therapy such as BCG or local chemotherapy to reduce recurrence. Muscle‑invasive disease may require radical surgery (cystectomy) often combined with systemic chemotherapy or, in selected cases, radiation. Advanced or metastatic disease is managed with systemic therapies and supportive care. Because bladder tumors have a high recurrence rate, regular surveillance with cystoscopy and imaging is an important part of long‑term care.

Risk factors, prevention and prognosis

Main risk factors include tobacco smoking, occupational exposure to certain industrial chemicals, long‑standing bladder inflammation, and increasing age. Preventive measures focus on reducing exposures (especially smoking cessation) and awareness of warning symptoms. Prognosis varies widely by tumor stage and grade at diagnosis; early, superficial cancers have a much better outlook than invasive or metastatic disease.