How Does Bladder Cancer Spread?

Bladder cancer can spread through several mechanisms:

  • Local Invasion: Cancer cells infiltrate nearby structures such as the ureters, urethra, prostate (in men), or vagina (in women).

  • Lymphatic System: Cancer cells enter lymphatic vessels, leading to metastasis in regional lymph nodes.

  • Bloodstream: Cancer cells access blood vessels, allowing them to travel and establish secondary tumors in distant organs like the lungs, liver, bones, or peritoneum.