Micropapillary bladder carcinoma is a recently described, rare variant of urothelial carcinoma reputed for its poor prognosis. The authors report the case of a 59-year-old man with invasive bladder tumour presenting with haematuria. Histological examination of resection chips revealed the typical histological features of high nuclear grade micropapillary carcinoma with invasion of the musculosa and the presence of numerous endolymphatic emboli. The authors discuss the clinicopathological and pathogenic features, treatment and clinical course of this tumour.