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Bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is the rapid, uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lining of the bladder, the part of the urinary tract that serves as a collection pouch for urine. The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine (hematuria). Other symptoms include pain during urination and frequent urination.

The cause of bladder cancer is not known, but it is more likely to develop in smokers than in nonsmokers. Men are more likely than women to develop bladder cancer.

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Author Bets Davis, MFA
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology
Last Updated May 13, 2009

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 13, 2009
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