What Is the Most Common Type of Bladder Cancer?

Urothelial carcinoma is also called transitional cell carcinoma. It develops from cells that line the inside of the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract. A tumour may stay within the bladder lining or grow into deeper muscle; this distinction helps the care team describe its stage and choose treatment.

Blood in the urine, changes in urinary frequency, burning, or difficulty passing urine can have several causes. A symptom does not by itself establish cancer. A cystoscopy lets a clinician look inside the bladder, and tissue removed during the procedure can be examined to identify the tumour type and features.

Arrange a clinical assessment for visible blood in the urine or persistent urinary changes, even when there is no pain. Bring a list of medicines, previous urinary procedures, and any details about when symptoms began. If cancer is confirmed, ask whether it is non-muscle-invasive or muscle-invasive and whether more tests are needed before treatment.

Treatment can include removal of a bladder tumour through the urinary passage, medicine placed into the bladder, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or bladder removal surgery. The choice depends on depth, grade, spread, overall health, and personal priorities. Read more about [Bladder Cancer](/conditions/bladder-cancer/) and [Cystoscopy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/cystoscopy/).

Seek urgent medical help for heavy or persistent blood in the urine, inability to pass urine, severe lower abdominal or side pain, fever with urinary symptoms, or dizziness and weakness. Difficulty passing urine can become an emergency when the bladder is unable to empty. Information about this symptom is available under [Difficulty Passing Urine](/symptoms/difficulty-passing-urine/).

Ask: Where is the tumour located? Has it reached the bladder muscle? What did the tissue examination show? Do I need further imaging or another cystoscopy? Which options could preserve bladder function? What side effects should I report quickly?