What is bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer starts in the cells of the bladder. The bladder is found in the lower part of the abdomen. It is a hollow, balloon-shaped organ with a flexible, muscular wall. The bladder collects and stores urine, which is made by the kidneys. Urine is then passed to the bladder through two tubes called ureters. When the bladder is full, the muscles in the bladder wall tighten to make the urine leave the body. The urine is emptied through a tube called the urethra.

Nearly all bladder cancers start in the lining of the bladder. Cancer that is only in the lining is called superficial bladder cancer. If the cancer spreads into the muscle wall of the bladder, it is called invasive bladder cancer.

Last modified on:  07 January 2009

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