Urology and Cancers in Plain Language

Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer is a type of bladder cancer that affects only the inner layer of the bladder lining and has not spread into the muscle wall of the bladder. It is sometimes called superficial bladder cancer, although the term “non-muscle-invasive” is more accurate. This type of cancer is usually detected at an early stage and is more common than muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, the tumor grows on the surface lining of the bladder rather than deep into the tissue. Because of this, it is often easier to treat, and many people do well with treatment. However, this type of bladder cancer has a higher chance of coming back after treatment, so regular monitoring is important. Symptoms often include blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or brown. Sometimes the blood is not visible and is found only during a urine test. Some people may also notice changes in bladder habits, such as urgency or more frequent urination. These sympt...

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer is a type of bladder cancer that has grown beyond the inner lining of the bladder and into the muscle layer of the bladder wall. This muscle layer is responsible for helping the bladder contract and push urine out of the body. When cancer reaches this deeper layer, it becomes more serious because it has a higher chance of spreading to other parts of the body, such as nearby lymph nodes or distant organs. Muscle-invasive bladder cancer usually develops from urothelial carcinoma, the most common form of bladder cancer. Sometimes it begins as a non-muscle-invasive cancer and progresses over time, while in other cases it is muscle-invasive at the time of diagnosis. One of the first symptoms of muscle-invasive bladder cancer is blood in the urine. The urine may appear pink, red, or brown, or the blood may only be seen under a microscope. Some people may also notice changes in urination, such as urgency, frequent urination, weak urine stream, or discomfort when...

Bladder cancer is not a single disease. It comes in several types, depending on which cells inside the bladder wall turn cancerous. Knowing the type of bladder cancer is important because it helps doctors decide on the best treatment and gives patients a better understanding of what to expect. The most common type is urothelial carcinoma , also called transitional cell carcinoma. It begins in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder. These cells stretch when the bladder is full and shrink when it is empty, which makes them more exposed to harmful substances in urine. Because of this, urothelial carcinoma accounts for almost 90 percent of all bladder cancers. This type can also occur in the lining of the ureters and kidneys. The next type is squamous cell carcinoma . This cancer develops when the bladder lining becomes irritated for a long time, often due to repeated infections, long-term catheter use, or chronic inflammation. The cells gradually change and become flat a...

Bladder cancer is a disease that begins when cells in the bladder grow abnormally and form a mass called a tumor. The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine before it leaves the body. When the lining of the bladder, known as the urothelium, changes and grows uncontrollably, cancer can develop. Over time, if not detected early, the tumor can invade deeper layers of the bladder wall or spread to other parts of the body. Most cases of bladder cancer start in the inner lining and are called urothelial carcinomas or transitional cell carcinomas. Less common types include squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, which usually occur after long-term irritation or infection. This cancer is more common in older adults and occurs more often in men than in women. The exact cause is not always known, but several factors increase the risk. Smoking is the leading cause, as harmful chemicals from tobacco are filtered by the kidneys and collect in the bladder, damaging its ...

Start exploring below. Kidney cancer can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to find clear, reliable information. This page brings together easy-to-understand answers to common questions about kidney cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery—all explained in plain language.  Whether you have been recently diagnosed, are caring for someone with kidney cancer, or simply want to learn more, these articles will help you understand what is happening, one question at a time.  New posts are added regularly and written without medical jargon. To explore further, click on any of the titles below to read the full article. Introduction and Basics What is Kidney Cancer? Is Kidney Cancer the Same as Renal Cell Carcinoma? How Common Is Kidney Cancer? What Are the Types of Kidney Cancer? What Is Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma? What Is Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma? What Is Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma? What Is Wilms Tumor? Causes and Risk Factors What Causes Kid...

Start exploring below. Your kidneys do much more than make urine. They filter your blood, balance your fluids, control blood pressure, and support bone and red blood cell health. But how exactly do they do all this? This page is your one-stop resource for understanding how the kidneys work—one question at a time. Whether you are curious about how much urine is normal, what kidneys remove from the blood, or what happens with only one kidney, you will find simple, science-backed answers here. Each topic below links to a short article that explains one key question in plain language. These articles are designed for anyone to understand—no medical background needed. As new articles are published, they will be added to the list below. Bookmark this page and check back often for the latest updates. What do the kidneys do in the human body? How do the kidneys filter blood? Where are the kidneys located in the body? Can you live a normal life with one kidney? How much urine do healthy kidneys ...

Start exploring below. This page is your one-stop resource for understanding everything about the urinary bladder. The urinary bladder acts as a temporary storage tank for urine and plays a vital role in bladder health and urinary function. Each article answers a common question in simple, easy-to-understand language, covering topics such as how the bladder works, where it is located, how much urine it can hold, and what causes bladder problems. Each topic below links to a short article that explains one key question in plain language, free of medical jargon. These bladder health articles are written for everyone—no medical background required. To learn more, simply click on any of the titles below. New bladder-related articles are added regularly. As new topics are published, they will appear in the list below. Bookmark this page and check back often for the latest updates on bladder function and urinary health. What is the Urinary Bladder? Where Is the Bladder Located in the Body? Wh...