The bladder, ureters, and urethra are the parts of the urinary system that store and carry urine. The bladder stores urine, the ureters are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, and the urethra carries urine out of the body. These organs share a special lining called the urothelium. When tissue is removed from any of them, a pathologist examines it under a microscope and describes what they see in your pathology report.
This page brings together our guides to conditions found in the bladder, ureters, and urethra. The articles are grouped by type to help you find the one that matches your diagnosis. Select any article below to learn more.
Cancers of the bladder, ureters, and urethra
These diagnoses are cancers that develop from the urothelium, the lining of the bladder, ureters, and urethra. They range from non-invasive cancers that stay near the surface to cancers that grow into the deeper layers. The articles explain how each type is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean.
Urothelial carcinoma is the most common type of cancer in the bladder, ureters, and urethra. This article gives an overview of the diagnosis, including the different types and what your pathology report describes.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions urothelial carcinoma or bladder cancer, or you want a general overview before reading about a specific type.
Papillary urothelial carcinoma
Papillary urothelial carcinoma is a type of urothelial carcinoma that grows in finger-like projections from the lining. This article explains what this diagnosis means, including how it is graded.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions papillary urothelial carcinoma or a papillary bladder tumor.
Low grade papillary urothelial carcinoma
Low grade papillary urothelial carcinoma is a slow-growing type of papillary urothelial carcinoma. It can come back after treatment but rarely grows into the deeper layers. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions low grade papillary urothelial carcinoma.
High grade papillary urothelial carcinoma
High grade papillary urothelial carcinoma is a faster-growing type of papillary urothelial carcinoma. It is more likely than the low grade type to grow into the deeper layers. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions high grade papillary urothelial carcinoma.
Urothelial carcinoma in situ is a high grade cancer that is still contained within the surface lining and has not grown into the deeper layers. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions urothelial carcinoma in situ or CIS of the bladder.
Noncancerous tumors and growths
These diagnoses are not cancer. They include noncancerous growths, as well as changes that can look like cancer under the microscope but are harmless. The articles explain what each diagnosis means.
A urothelial papilloma is a noncancerous growth that develops from the lining of the bladder, ureters, or urethra. This article explains what this diagnosis means and how it is treated.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a urothelial papilloma.
Postoperative spindle cell nodule
A postoperative spindle cell nodule is a noncancerous growth that can form at the site of a recent surgery. It can look like cancer under the microscope but is harmless. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a postoperative spindle cell nodule after bladder or prostate surgery.
Pseudosarcomatous myofibroblastic proliferation
Pseudosarcomatous myofibroblastic proliferation is a noncancerous growth of the bladder. As its name suggests, it can look like a sarcoma (a type of cancer) under the microscope, but it is not cancer. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a pseudosarcomatous myofibroblastic proliferation.
Inflammatory conditions
This diagnosis describes inflammation of the lining of the bladder. It is not cancer. The article explains what this diagnosis means and what a pathologist looks for.
Polypoid cystitis is inflammation of the bladder lining that causes it to form polyp-like bumps. It is not cancer. This article explains what this diagnosis means and what a pathologist looks for.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions polypoid cystitis, or you have had a catheter or bladder irritation.
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