Learn about Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer may not be a cancer that is talked about much, but it is of great value to know the signs to look for, how it is diagnosed and how it is treated. This type of cancer is mostly seen among older people, but that doesn’t mean it can’t occur in other age groups as well.

Most bladder cancers start in the inside lining of the bladder. Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is cancer found in the thick muscle of the bladder wall. Over time, the tumor may grow outside the bladder into tissues close by. This serious and more advanced stage of bladder cancer should be treated right away.

The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine (hematuria). If this happens to you, tell your doctor right away, even if the blood goes away. If your doctor thinks you may have bladder cancer, you may be sent to a urologist. Some common tests to diagnose bladder cancer are urine tests, blood tests, imaging tests, cystoscopy and TURBT to name a few. 

Your treatment will depend on what your doctor finds when you are diagnosed. Treatment also depends on your health and age. Treatment options may include cystectomy (bladder removal) with or without chemotherapy, chemotherapy with radiation, in addition to TURBT or immunotherapy. By learning more about MIBC, you may feel more ready to talk with your health care team.

The below fact sheets and podcast can be used to help you learn more about MIBC and talking with your health care team.

Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer - What You Should Know Fact Sheet

Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer - Treatment Fact Sheet

Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Basics Podcast

Support provided by an independent educational grant from Astellas and Pfizer, Inc.