Alaska CyberKnife is an Anchorage cancer center dedicated to the treatment of all types and stages of bladder cancer. There are several forms of bladder cancer, with each form being named for its tissue of origin and growth properties. Knowing what type of cancer you have can help you know what to expect and may assist your doctors in determining the best course of treatment.
Urothelial carcinoma, also known as transitional cell carcinoma, is the most common type of bladder cancer. The large majority of patients who receive a bladder cancer diagnosis will have this type. This cancer occurs when urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder start to grow in an uncontrolled manner and form a tumor. Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma respectively make up four and two percent of diagnoses.
Bladder cancer is also evaluated for how it interacts with the tissues around it. Tumors that have grown into the deeper surrounding layers of the wall of the bladder are considered invasive. They may be difficult to treat and more likely to spread to other areas of the body. Non-invasive bladder cancers remain in the inner layer of cells in which they began and do not spread outside this layer.
Bladder cancer can be divided into two sub-types based on how they grow in relation to other tissues: flat and papillary.
Papillary carcinomas grow as slender, finger-like tumors with their base found at the inner surface of the bladder, and the bulk of the tumor reaching toward the hollow center of the bladder. They do not tend to grow into the deeper layers of the bladder, and are considered non-invasive. Slow growing non-invasive papillary cancer may also be called papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential, and it is likely to result in a positive outcome for those with the diagnosis.
Flat carcinomas remain flat and do not reach toward the center of the bladder. When these tumors stay in the innermost layer of cells, they are identified as non-invasive flat carcinoma.
We are ready and prepared to provide Anchorage bladder cancer treatment to all those in need. Call 907-312-2112 to learn more.
Send us your questions and one of our Board Certified Physicians will respond within 24 hours.