University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center Physicians Offer Patients Superior Bladder Cancer Care
Edward Cherullo, MD, discusses bladder cancer and transitional cell carcinoma.
A patient facing a bladder cancer diagnosis can rely on UH Seidman Cancer Center’s Urologic Oncology Center expert team of health care professionals to provide effective care during every stage of the cancer process. Patients can count on our team to offer support and treatment options that best fit their specific conditions and lifestyles.
What is Bladder Cancer?
The term bladder cancer refers to numerous types of malignant growths of the urinary bladder. The disease is characterized by abnormal cells in the bladder which multiply without control.
Types of Bladder Cancer
Bladder tumors are classified into several types according to how the cells appear under a microscope. The type of bladder cancer a patient has affects cancer treatment options because each type of cancer cell responds differently to various treatments.
The main types of cancers that affect the bladder are:
- Transitional cell carcinoma: is the most common type of bladder cancer and develops in the cells lining the bladder.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: is a cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that may form in the bladder after long-term infection or irritation.
- Adenocarcinoma: is a cancer that begins in glandular (secretory) cells that may form in the bladder after long-term irritation and inflammation.
- Small cell carcinoma: of the bladder is a very rare form of bladder cancer, which includes epithelial tumors that are characterized by a more aggressive behavior and poorer prognosis than transitional cell bladder carcinoma. It is typically diagnosed at advanced cancer stages.
UH Seidman Cancer Center physicians perform testing procedures that will allow individuals to fully understand their disease type. Our team partners with patients and colleagues to foster a thorough understanding of diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives.