Types of bladder cancer
There are 3 main types of bladder cancer. These are named after the cell type in which the cancer first develops.
- Urothelial carcinoma (or transitional cell carcinoma) is the most common type of bladder cancer, making up more than 80–90% of bladder cancers1. It starts in the cells in the inside layer of the bladder wall (urothelial cells). This type of cancer sometimes occurs in the ureters and kidneys1, and can move into the muscle wall of the bladder or to other parts of the body2.
- Squamous cell carcinoma is the next most common type of bladder cancer, making up about 1–2% of bladder cancers. It starts in the thin, flat cells that line the bladder (squamous cells) and is more likely to be invasive1. This type of cancer may develop after a long-term infection or irritation2.
- Adenocarcinoma is a rare type of bladder cancer, making up 1% of bladder cancers. It starts in glandular cells that line the bladder and is likely to be invasive1.
Other rare types of bladder cancer include sarcoma, small cell carcinoma, plasmacytoid carcinoma and micropapillary carcinoma1.