(bladder cancer) Cancer that forms in tissues of the bladder (the organ that stores urine). Most bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas (cancer that begins in cells that normally make up the inner lining of the bladder). Other types include squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in thin, flat cells) and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). The cells that form squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma develop in the inner lining of the bladder as a result of chronic irritation and inflammation.

(bladder carcinoma) A carcinoma arising from the bladder epithelium. Approximately 90% of the bladder carcinomas are transitional cell carcinomas. The remainder are squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas and small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas.

(bladder carcinoma) The presence of a carcinoma of the urinary bladder.

Bladder cancer most often causes blood in the urine. To make the diagnosis, a thin, flexible viewing tube (cystoscope) is inserted through the urethra into the bladder.