Non-Cancerous Tumors of the Bladder

What are Non-Cancerous Tumors of the Bladder?

A non-cancerous or benign tumor of the bladder is an abnormal growth that starts in the lining or other tissues of the bladder due to changes in the bladder cells. These tumors are not cancerous as they do not spread and are usually not life-threatening.

Types of Non-Cancerous Tumors of the Bladder

Non-cancerous bladder tumors are rare. There are various types including:

• Papillomas: These are harmless growths commonly seen on the skin. In the bladder, they are rare and begin in the urothelial cells that form the inner lining of the bladder. Bladder papillomas generally grow into the bladder cavity. Inverted papillomas grow into the bladder wall.
• Leiomyomas: These tumors form in the bladder's smooth muscle cells. They sometimes continue to grow and cause obstruction of the urinary tract.
• Fibromas: These tumors develop in the bladder wall’s connective tissue.
• Hemangiomas: They are abnormal blood vessel growths in the bladder.
• Neurofibromas: These are tumors that arise in the bladder's nerve tissue. 
• Lipomas: They are tumors that develop due to an overabundance of fat cells. 
• Solitary fibrous tumor: These are tumors of the fibrous connective tissue that form in the wall of the bladder.

Symptoms of Non-Cancerous Tumors of the Bladder

Signs and symptoms of benign tumors of the bladder include:

• Blood in the urine
• Difficulty urinating
• Pain or burning during urination
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Blockage of urinary flow

Diagnosis of Non-Cancerous Tumors of the Bladder

Your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history and conduct a physical examination. The following diagnostic tests may be recommended:

• Noninvasive imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, and X-rays are ordered to visualize the bladder and rest of the urinary tract.
• Intravenous pyelogram: This is an x-ray exam that uses an injection of contrast material to enhance imaging of your bladder and urinary tract.
• Cystoscopy: This is an image-guided procedure in which a thin lighted tube with a camera is inserted up into the bladder to detect abnormalities.
• Biopsy: During a cystoscopy, an instrument may be used to obtain a small sample of tissue for observation under the microscope.

Treatment of Non-Cancerous Tumors of the Bladder

For small non-cancerous tumors that do not cause symptoms or damage near blood cells or nerves, your doctor may recommend evaluation on a regular basis. For larger tumors, your doctor may recommend surgical removal if the risk of surgery including damage to the blood vessels, nerves, and surrounding tissues is relatively low.