What is bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the bladder, a pouch-like organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine. This cancer occurs when abnormal bladder cells grow uncontrollably. It’s classified as a genitourinary (GU) and urologic cancer, affecting the genital and urinary organs.

At Penn Medicine, our Genitourinary and Urologic Cancer Program offers exceptional expertise in bladder cancer treatment, using the latest therapies and minimally invasive techniques. Our specialists treat a significantly higher number of patients each year than the national average, allowing us to deliver outstanding outcomes through our extensive experience and specialized knowledge.

Types of bladder cancer

Specialists describe bladder cancers in two ways: muscle invasive or non-muscle invasive. Muscle invasive bladder cancer has spread through the bladder’s lining into muscle tissue. Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer is only in the bladder’s lining.

Bladder cancer is labeled by where the cancer cells begin. Types of bladder cancer include urothelial carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma.

Bladder cancer symptoms

Symptoms of bladder cancer can be difficult to distinguish from other noncancerous conditions. That’s why it’s important to see an expert if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of bladder cancer:

  • Blood in the urine, which may make your urine appear red or brownish 
  • Frequent urge to urinate, often with little or no result 
  • Lower back pain 
  • Pain while urinating 
  • Frequent bladder infections

Blood in the urine is one of the earlier, more visible symptoms of bladder cancer. This sign is one reason why doctors find most bladder cancers early, when they’re most treatable.

What causes bladder cancer?

The exact cause of bladder cancer isn’t always clear, but several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease, such as age and diet. 

An accurate diagnosis from a trusted cancer specialist is essential for creating individualized treatment plans for bladder cancer. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools to enhance the detection and treatment of bladder cancer. 

Bladder cancer treatment at Penn Medicine

Successfully treating bladder cancer requires specialized expertise and training. Treatment options can include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and other therapies. Our team of specialists stays updated with the latest research to develop a treatment plan tailored to achieve the best possible outcome. 

Bladder cancer care: The Penn Medicine advantage

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with bladder cancer or are still waiting for answers, we want to help. At Penn Medicine, our experienced specialists work together to deliver innovative treatments and great results.

When you partner with us, you receive care from a team of nationally recognized bladder cancer experts. This care includes:

  • Multidisciplinary approach: Bladder cancer can be complicated, and patients do better with care tailored to them. Our urologists, surgeons, and medical and radiation oncologists work together to create customized treatment plans. This team approach ensures that we consider every part of your health and choose the most impactful treatments. 
  • Bladder cancer expertise: Every member of our GU cancer team focuses only on treating GU cancers. We’re one of the few centers in the United States with a radiation oncologist who specializes in bladder cancer. Your care benefits from the knowledge we gain while treating many routine and complex bladder cancer cases. Our high level of expertise increases your chances of a great outcome.  
  • Bladder cancer clinical trials: Our bladder cancer specialists are active in muscle-invasive and non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer clinical trials. Their participation gives some patients additional treatment options when other methods don’t work. 
  • Convenient care and telemedicine appointments: You can securely connect with your doctor from anywhere you want through our Penn Connected Health Virtual Visit program. We also offer radiation and chemotherapy treatments at locations throughout the southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions, so you don’t have to travel far to get the right treatment. 
  • Patient support services: Successful cancer care involves more than your physical well-being. That’s why we offer emotional support and other resources. These services include home care through Penn Medicine At Home and a nurse-run bladder cancer support group. We also offer a wide range of cancer patient and family support services.
National Cancer Institute Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center badge on top of shot of hospital

Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute

Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.

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