Bladder Cancer Health Channel

Definition

Bladder cancer is a malignant tumor within the bladder. In the United States, bladder cancers usually start from the cells lining the bladder (transitional cells).

These tumors may be classified based on their growth pattern:

• Papillary tumors have a wart-like appearance and are attached to a stalk.
• Nonpapillary tumors are much less common, but they are more invasive and have a poorer prognosis.

Alternative Names

Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

As with most other cancers, the exact cause is uncertain. However, several factors may contribute to the development of bladder cancer.

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing bladder cancer by a factor of nearly five, compared to non-smokers. As many as 50% of all bladder cancers in men and 30% in women may be attributable to cigarette smoke. This risk does show a gradual decline in people who quit smoking.

About one in four cases of bladder cancer can be attributed to workplace exposure to carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals). Arylamines are the chemicals most responsible. Dye workers, rubber workers, aluminum workers, leather workers, truck drivers, and pesticide applicators are at the highest risk, although arylamines have been reduced or eliminated in many workplaces.

The association between artificial sweeteners and bladder cancer has been studied and is weak or non-existent.

Women who received radiation therapy for the treatment of cervical cancer have an increased risk of developing transitional cell bladder cancer, as do some people who received the chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan).

A chronic (long term) bladder infection or irritation may lead to the development of squamous cell bladder cancer.