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Bladder cancer
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Condition

Bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the bladder multiply uncontrollably to form a tumor, often causing symptoms like blood in urine or frequent urination, and is primarily linked to acquired genetic mutations and environmental factors.

Overview

Bladder cancer is a disease in which certain cells in the bladder become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably to form a tumor. The bladder is a muscular organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine until it can be removed (excreted) from the body.

Bladder cancer may cause blood in the urine, pain during urination, frequent urination, the feeling of needing to urinate without being able to, or lower back pain. Many of these signs and symptoms are nonspecific, which means they may occur in multiple disorders. People who have one or more of these nonspecific health problems often do not have bladder cancer, but have another condition such as an infection.

Bladder cancer develops when tumors form in the tissue that lines the bladder. There are several types of bladder cancer, categorized by the type of cell in the tissue that becomes cancerous. The most common type is transitional cell carcinoma (also known as urothelial carcinoma); others include squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. If the tumor spreads (metastasizes) beyond the lining of the bladder into nearby tissues or organs, it is known as invasive bladder cancer.

Frequency

In the United States, bladder cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in men. Bladder cancer occurs four times more often in men than in women, with about 60,000 men and 18,000 women diagnosed with the condition each year.

Causes

Cancers occur when genetic mutations build up in critical genes, specifically those that control cell growth and division (proliferation) or the repair of damaged DNA. These changes allow cells to grow and divide uncontrollably to form a tumor. In nearly all cases of bladder cancer, these genetic changes are acquired during a person's lifetime and are present only in certain cells in the bladder. These changes, which are called somatic mutations, are not inherited. Somatic mutations in many different genes have been found in bladder cancer cells. It is unclear whether genetic changes that are inherited and present in all of the body's cells (germline mutations) play a significant role in causing bladder cancer.

Somatic mutations in the FGFR3, PIK3CA, KDM6A, and TP53 genes are common in bladder cancers. Each of these genes plays a critical role in regulating gene activity and cell growth, ensuring cells do not grow and divide too rapidly or uncontrollably. It is likely that mutations in these genes disrupt normal gene regulation, contributing to the uncontrolled cell growth that can lead to tumor formation in bladder cancer. Mutations in many other genes have been found to be associated with bladder cancer; each of these additional genes is associated with a small percentage of cases. Most of these genes are also involved in regulating the normal activity of genes and the growth of cells.

Additionally, loss of part or all of chromosome 9 are commonly found in bladder cancer. Research shows that several genes that control cell growth and division are located on chromosome 9. It is likely that a loss of one or more of these genes plays a role in the early development and progression of bladder cancer.

Researchers have identified many lifestyle and environmental factors that expose individuals to cancer-causing compounds (carcinogens), which increase the rate at which somatic mutations occur, contributing to a person's risk of developing bladder cancer. The greatest risk factor is long-term tobacco smoking. It is estimated that half of people with bladder cancer have a history of tobacco smoking. Other environmental risk factors include chronic bladder inflammation, exposure to certain industrial chemicals, certain herbal medicines common in Asia, a parasitic infection called schistosomiasis, and long-term use of urinary catheters.

Genes and Chromosomes Associated with Bladder Cancer

  • ARID1A
  • ATM
  • CDKN2A
  • CREBBP
  • EP300
  • FGFR3
  • HRAS
  • KDM6A
  • KMT2D
  • PIK3CA
  • PTEN
  • RAF1
  • RB1
  • TP53
  • chromosome 9

Additional Genes from NCBI Gene

  • CCNE1
  • CDKN1A
  • ELF3
  • ERBB2
  • FAT1
  • KMT2A
  • KMT2B
  • KMT2C
  • MDM2
  • RAC1
  • RHOB
  • SPTAN1
  • STAG2

Inheritance

Bladder cancer is typically not inherited. It is usually associated with somatic mutations that occur in certain cells in the bladder during a person's lifetime.

In rare families, the risk of bladder cancer is inherited. In these cases, the cancer risk follows an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to increase a person's chance of developing the disease. It is important to note that people inherit an increased risk of cancer, not the disease itself. Not all people who inherit mutations in these genes will develop bladder cancer.

Other Names for This Condition

  • Bladder carcinoma urinary
  • Bladder tumor
  • Cancer of the urinary bladder
  • Cancer, bladder
  • Cancer, urinary bladder
  • Malignant bladder neoplasm
  • Malignant bladder tumor
  • Neoplasm of the bladder
  • Neoplasm of the urinary bladder
  • Tumor of the urinary bladder
  • Urinary bladder carcinoma
  • Urinary bladder neoplasm

Frequently Asked Questions

ny instance of visible blood in the urine (hematuria), even if it occurs only once, is a significant red flag and warrants prompt medical evaluation. Other concerning symptoms include persistent pain during urination, frequent urination, a strong urge to urinate without being able to, or unexplained lower back pain, especially if these symptoms are new or worsening.
The most significant modifiable risk factor for bladder cancer is smoking, including cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Exposure to certain industrial chemicals, particularly aromatic amines used in the dye, rubber, and leather industries, is another major risk. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding chronic bladder irritation or infections may also play a role in prevention.
The type of bladder cancer determines the most effective treatment strategy and influences the prognosis. Transitional cell carcinoma (urothelial carcinoma) is the most common and often responds well to specific therapies. Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma are rarer and may require different approaches, potentially involving more aggressive surgery or specialized chemotherapy, as they can behave differently and have varying rates of invasiveness.
Diagnosis usually begins with a urine test to check for blood or abnormal cells. If abnormalities are found, a cystoscopy is often performed, where a thin, lighted tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder to visualize its lining. Biopsies of any suspicious areas are taken during cystoscopy for pathological examination. Imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs may also be used to assess the extent of the cancer.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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