1. Bladder Cancer Slideshow
2. Prostate Cancer Pictures
3. Cervical Cancer Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Gary David Steinberg, MD

Medical Author:

Mark H. Katz, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

As in most cancers, the chances of recovery are determined by the stage of the disease. Stage refers to the size of the cancer and the extent to which it has invaded the bladder wall and spread to other parts of the body. Staging is based on imaging studies (such as CT scans, x-rays, or ultrasound) and biopsy results. Each stage has its own treatment options and chance for cure. In addition, equally important is the grade of the bladder cancer. High-grade tumors are significantly more aggressive and life threatening than low-grade tumors.

• Stage CIS: Cancer that is flat and is limited to the innermost lining of the bladder; CIS is high grade
• Stage T_a: Cancer that is limited to the most superficial mucosal layer (innermost lining) of the bladder
• Stage T₁: Cancer that has penetrated beyond the mucosal layer into the submucosal tissue (lamina propria)
• Stage T₂: Cancer that has invaded part way through the thickness of the muscular bladder wall
• Stage T₃: Cancer that has invaded all the way through the thickness of the muscular bladder wall and into surrounding fat
• Stage T₄: Cancer that has invaded adjacent structures, such as the prostate, uterus, or vagina, but not to lymph nodes in the region
• Stage T_1-4N_1-2M_1-2: Cancer that has spread to the outer abdominal or pelvic wall, to lymph nodes, or to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, or bones

Must Read Articles Related to Bladder Cancer

Blood in the Urine Blood in the urine is called hematuria. Hematuria may be caused by infection, inflammation, or injury to the urinary system. Treatment of hematuria depends upon...learn more >>

Cystoscopy Cystoscopy is the use of a scope (cystoscope) to examine the bladder. This is done either to look at the bladder for abnormalities or to help with surgery being...learn more >>

See the Entire Bladder Cancer Topic Guide »