Bladder cancer - European Society for Medical Oncology

DEFINITION OF BLADDER CANCER
This definition is adapted from and is used with the permission of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the United States of America.
Bladder cancer is a cancer that forms in tissues of the bladder. The bladder is the organ that stores
urine. The most frequent type of bladder cancers is transitional cell carcinoma*. This type of cancer
begins in cells that normally form the inner lining of the bladder, also called the transitional
epithelium* or urothelium*. Other types include squamous cell carcinoma*, a bladder cancer that
begins in thin, flat cells in the lining of the bladder, and adenocarcinoma*, a cancer that begins in
cells from the bladder lining that release mucus.
Anatomy of the male (left) and female (right) urinary system showing the kidneys, ureters*, bladder, and urethra*. Urine is
made in the renal tubules* and collects in the renal pelvis*. The urine flows from the kidneys through the ureters to the
bladder. The urine is stored in the bladder until it leaves the body through the urethra*.
Bladder cancer: a guide for patients‐ Information based on ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines ‐v.2012.1 Page 3
This document is provided by Reliable Cancer Therapies with the permission of ESMO.
The information in this document does not replace a medical consultation. It is for personal use only and cannot be modified,
reproduced or disseminated in any way without written permission from ESMO and Reliable Cancer Therapies.