If bladder cancer spreads

Cancer cells can spread from the bladder to other parts of the body and develop into a new tumour. The new tumour is called a metastasis or secondary tumour.

Understanding how a type of cancer usually grows and spreads helps your healthcare team plan your treatment and future care. If bladder cancer spreads, it is most likely to spread to the following:

  • lymph nodes
  • prostate
  • vagina
  • uterus
  • rectum
  • abdominal or pelvic wall
  • lung
  • bone
  • liver

Expert review and references

  • Brierley JD, Gospodarowicz MK, Wittekind C (eds.). TNM Classification of Malignant Tumours. 8th ed. Wiley Blackwell; 2017.
  • Feldman AS, Efstathiou JA, Lee RJ, Dahl DM, Michaelson MD, Zietman AL. Cancer of the bladder, ureter, and renal pelvis. DeVita VT Jr, Lawrence TS, Rosenberg SA. Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 10th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2015: 65:896-916.
  • Penn Medicine. All About Bladder Cancer. University of Pennsylvania; 2017. https://www.oncolink.org/.

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Medical disclaimer

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