The stage of a cancer means how much it has grown or spread. Bladder cancer starts in the inner layer of the bladder and moves outward.

• In stages 0 and I, cancer is found in just the inner layer.
• In stage II, cancer is found in the muscle layer.
• In stage III, the cancer is found outside the bladder. Or it has spread to nearby organs, such as the prostate, uterus, or vagina.
• In stage IV, the cancer is found in the belly. Or it has spread to another part of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or bones.