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It depends which type of bladder cancer you have.
Superficial bladder cancer tends to stay on the bladder wall and not grow into it.
Invasive bladder cancer tends to grow deep into the bladder wall. It may grow through it and into the pelvis. It may then get into the lymph nodes, which are part of the body's lymphatic system. It can also get into the bloodstream.
Once the cancer cells get into the lymphatic system or bloodstream they may travel to other areas of the body and start growing there. These cancers are called secondary cancers or metastases. When invasive bladder cancer spreads to distant parts it is often to the lungs, liver or bones.
