Understanding How Bladder Cancer Spreads and What You Can Do

Being diagnosed with bladder cancer can be overwhelming—especially when you hear the word “metastasis.” This guide will help you understand what bladder cancer metastasis means, how it may affect your health, and how you can stay informed, supported, and empowered throughout your journey.

What Does Metastasis Mean?

Metastasis happens when cancer spreads from where it started to other parts of the body. In the case of bladder cancer, this means cancer cells have traveled from the bladder to places like the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, or bones.

This stage of the disease is called metastatic bladder cancer or stage 4 bladder cancer.

How Does Bladder Cancer Spread?

Cancer cells can move through your body in a few ways:

• Through the blood: Cells break away from the bladder and enter the bloodstream.

• Through the lymph system: Cancer travels through lymph nodes to other parts of the body.

• By growing into nearby tissues: Cancer can push past the bladder wall and into nearby organs.

Even though the cancer has moved, it’s still called bladder cancer, not liver or lung cancer. That’s because the cells still look and act like bladder cancer cells.

Where Does It Usually Go?

The most common places bladder cancer spreads to are:

• Lymph nodes

• Lungs

• Liver

• Bones

You might not feel any different right away, or you may notice changes like pain, fatigue, or weight loss. Always talk to your doctor about new or worsening symptoms.

What Are the Signs of Metastatic Bladder Cancer?

Some signs that bladder cancer may have spread include:

• Ongoing lower back pain (especially on one side)

• Difficulty urinating

• Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss

• Feeling more tired than usual

• Bone pain

These symptoms can come from other conditions too, so it’s important to check with your care team if you notice anything unusual.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Your doctor may use several tools to find out if the cancer has spread, including:

• Imaging scans, like CT, MRI, or PET scans

• Biopsies from other parts of the body

• Blood and urine tests

You may also have a cystoscopy, a test where a small camera looks inside your bladder.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Metastatic bladder cancer can’t usually be cured, but it can be treated. The goal is to slow the cancer’s growth, manage symptoms, and help you live as well as possible. Common treatments include:

• Chemotherapy: Uses medicine to destroy cancer cells throughout the body.

• Immunotherapy: Helps your immune system find and fight cancer.

• Targeted therapy: Focuses on specific changes in cancer cells.

• Radiation therapy: Aims high-energy beams at cancer to shrink tumors or ease pain.

• Clinical trials: These test new treatments and combinations. Ask your doctor if one might be right for you.

You’re Not Alone: Support Is Available

Living with metastatic bladder cancer can be overwhelming. But you’re not alone.

At Inspire, thousands of people just like you are sharing their stories, asking questions, and lifting each other up. Our Bladder Cancer Community is a space where you can connect, learn, and find encouragement—from people who understand exactly what you’re going through.

Want to know what other patients are saying? Join the conversation on Inspire.com. You might be surprised how much comfort and strength you’ll find.

Find Support That Understands

Living with metastatic bladder cancer is challenging—but you’re not alone. Join others who understand what you're going through. Visit the Inspire Bladder Cancer Community »

Moving Forward with Hope

A metastatic bladder cancer diagnosis is tough. But many people continue to live full, meaningful lives while managing their condition. Stay informed. Ask questions. Lean on your care team and your community. Most of all—know that you’re still in control of your journey.

Disclaimer

Some comments from Inspire members may have been lightly edited for clarity. This article is for general information only. It’s not medical advice. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your specific diagnosis, treatment options, and questions.

Sources:

• What is Bladder Cancer?, National Cancer Institute, February 2023. 

• Metastasis (Metastatic Cancer), The Cleveland Clinic, April 2024.

• Cytoscopy, The Mayo Clinic, December 2022.

• How Do Doctors Find Bladder Cancer, BCAN