Possible treatments
Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT)
When your doctor sees or suspects a bladder tumour - for example after symptoms or imaging tests - the first step is almost always a procedure called TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour).
During TURBT, the tumour is (partly) removed and sent to the laboratory so the pathologist, a doctor that studies cells under a microscope, can confirm the type and stage of the cancer.
If the results show that the cancer has not grown into the bladder muscle, it is classified as non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and your doctor will discuss further treatments and follow-up based on this result.
Learn more about Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT) here.
This chapter contains general information about non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.
Last updated: April 2026
Reviewed by (2026 update):
- Dr. Laura Mertens (EAU Guidelines Panel on Muscle-invasive and Metastatic Bladder Cancer)
- Prof. Dr. Antoine Van Der Heijden (EAU Guidelines Panel on Muscle-invasive and Metastatic Bladder Cancer)