Types of bladder cancer
Bladder cancer may be non-muscle-invasive, muscle-invasive or advanced.
Urothelial bladder cancer
This is the most common type of bladder cancer. It is also called transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). It starts in cells in the bladder lining. These cells are called urothelial or transitional cells. Bladder cancer may be non-muscle-invasive, muscle-invasive or advanced.
Non muscle invasive bladder cancer
This is when the cancer cells are only in the inner lining of the bladder. They have not spread (invaded) into the muscle layer. Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer can be mushroom shaped, which is called a papillary tumour (Ta). It can also be flat and red, which is called carcinoma in situ (CIS). Some people may have both papillary cancer and CIS.
Muscle invasive bladder cancer
In muscle-invasive bladder cancer, the cancer has spread into or through the muscle layer of the bladder.
Advanced bladder cancer
Advanced bladder cancer is when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Less common types of bladder cancer
Less common types of bladder cancer include:
- squamous cell cancer
- adenocarcinoma
- small cell bladder cancer.
These start from different types of cells in the bladder lining and are usually muscle-invasive.
For more information about these types of bladder cancer, you can call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00.
How we can help
Macmillan Cancer Support Line
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, we'll listen.