Transitional cell carcinoma overview: Difference between revisions

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==Overview==
==Overview==
Transitional cell carcinoma (also called urothelial cell carcinoma) is a type of cancer that typically occurs in the urinary system: the kidney, ureter, urinary bladder, and urethra. It is the most common type of bladder cancer and second most common type of kidney cancer. Transitional cell carcinoma arises from the [[transitional epithelium]] (also called urothelium), a tissue lining the inner surface of the urinary tract. Transitional cell carcinomas of upper urinary tract are rare cancers accounting for 5-7% of all transitional cell cancer cases.<ref name="KirkaliTuzel2003">{{cite journal|last1=Kirkali|first1=Ziya|last2=Tuzel|first2=Emre|title=Transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis|journal=Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology|volume=47|issue=2|year=2003|pages=155–169|issn=10408428|doi=10.1016/S1040-8428(03)00079-9}}</ref> Transitional cell carcinoma commonly affects individuals older than 60 years of age with the average age of presentation being 65. Males are more commonly affected with transitional cell carcinoma than females. The male to female ratio is approximately 2 to 1. Based on the growth pattern, transitional cell [[carcinoma]] may be classified into either papillary urothelial carcinoma or non-papillary urothelial carcinoma. Transitional cell carcinoma may be classified according to [[World Health Organization]] in a collaborative effort conjointly with the International Society of Urological Pathologists (ISUP) into two groups: infiltrating urothelial carcinomas and non-invasive urothelial carcinomas.<ref name="pmid12461053">{{cite journal| author=Oosterhuis JW, Schapers RF, Janssen-Heijnen ML, Pauwels RP, Newling DW, ten Kate F| title=Histological grading of papillary urothelial carcinoma of the bladder: prognostic value of the 1998 WHO/ISUP classification system and comparison with conventional grading systems. | journal=J Clin Pathol | year= 2002 | volume= 55 | issue= 12 | pages= 900-5 | pmid=12461053 | doi= | pmc=PMC1769816 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12461053  }} </ref> Based on the degree of [[cellular differentiation]], transitional cell carcinoma may be classified into two grades: low grade and high grade. [[Genes]] involved in the [[pathogenesis]] of transitional cell carcinoma of bladder include [[HRAS]], [[Retinoblastoma protein|Rb1]], [[PTEN]]/MMAC1, NAT2, and GSTM1. On gross pathology, flat [[lesions]] or papillary lesions are characteristic findings of '''non-invasive''' transitional cell carcinomas; a large infiltrative [[mass]] or a multifocal, flat to papillary lesion with delicate fronds are characteristic findings of '''invasive''' transitional cell carcinomas. On microscopic histopathological analysis, loss of [[cell]] polarity, [[nuclear]] crowding, and cytologic [[atypia]] are characteristic findings of flat lesion; fibrovascular stalks, umbrella cells, and [[eosinophilic]] [[cytoplasm]] are characteristic findings of [[papillary]] lesion; invasion beyond the [[basement membrane]] is the characteristic finding of invasive transitional cell carcinomas. There are no established causes for transitional cell carcinoma. Transitional cell carcinoma of [[bladder]] must be differentiated from [[Bladder cancer|squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder]], adenocarcinoma of the bladder, [[renal cancer]], [[renal stones]], [[prostate cancer]], and [[cystitis]]. Transitional cell carcinoma of [[renal pelvis]] must be differentiated from [[renal cell carcinoma]], [[Metastasis|kidney metastasis]], renal medullary carcinoma, renal lymphoma, [[renal abscess]], [[renal tuberculosis]], pyelitis cystica, and [[papillary necrosis]]. Common risk factors in the development of transitional cell carcinoma are smoking, occupational exposure to chemicals, chronic bladder irritation, [[chemotherapy]], [[radiation therapy]], [[arsenic]], personal history of cancer in the [[urinary tract]], [[congenital]] bladder anomalies, and aristolochic acids. According to the the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF), there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine [[screening]] for transitional cell carcinoma.<ref name=USPSTF>Bladder Cancer. U.S. Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) 2015. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/BrowseRec/Search?s=transitional+cell+cancer Accessed on February, 10 2016 </ref> Common [[complications]] of transitional cell carcinoma include [[metastasis]], [[anemia]], [[hydronephrosis]], [[urethral stricture]], and [[urinary incontinence]]. Depending on the stage and grade of the tumor at the time of diagnosis, the [[prognosis]] of transitional cell carcinoma may vary. However, the 5-year [[survival rate]] of patients with bladder transitional cell carcinoma is approximately 77.5% and of patients with upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma is approximately 75%.<ref name="pmid11025695">{{cite journal| author=Munoz JJ, Ellison LM| title=Upper tract urothelial neoplasms: incidence and survival during the last 2 decades. | journal=J Urol | year= 2000 | volume= 164 | issue= 5 | pages= 1523-5 | pmid=11025695 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11025695  }} </ref> The staging of transitional cell carcinoma is based on the [[TNM]] staging system. The most common symptoms of transitional cell carcinoma of bladder include [[hematuria]], [[urinary frequency]], [[urinary urgency]], and [[dysuria]]. The most common symptoms of transitional cell carcinoma of upper urinary tract include [[hematuria]] and pain in the [[flank]] or [[abdomen]]. Less common symptoms of transitional cell carcinoma include loss of [[appetite]], [[weight loss]], [[fatigue]], and [[fever]]. Common physical examination findings of transitional cell carcinoma of bladder include [[cachexia]], [[pallor]], and a [[pelvic]] [[mass]] may be palpated. Abdominal and pelvic CT scans may be helpful in the [[diagnosis]] and staging of transitional cell carcinoma. On [[CT scan]], transitional cell carcinoma of [[bladder]] is characterized by either focal regions of thickening of the bladder wall, or as masses protruding into the bladder lumen, or in advanced cases, extending into adjacent tissues.<ref name=radiopaedia>Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Dr Ian Bickle and Dr Frank Gaillard et al. Radiopaedia.org 2015.http://radiopaedia.org/articles/transitional-cell-carcinoma-of-the-bladder Accessed on February, 18 2015</ref> On CT scan, transitional cell carcinoma of upper [[urinary tract]] is characterized by homogenously enhancing mass that centered on the [[renal pelvis]] and extend towards pelviureteric junction, preserved renal contour, and focal pelvicalyceal filling defect.<ref name="pmid22451550">{{cite journal| author=Raza SA, Sohaib SA, Sahdev A, Bharwani N, Heenan S, Verma H et al.| title=Centrally infiltrating renal masses on CT: differentiating intrarenal transitional cell carcinoma from centrally located renal cell carcinoma. | journal=AJR Am J Roentgenol | year= 2012 | volume= 198 | issue= 4 | pages= 846-53 | pmid=22451550 | doi=10.2214/AJR.11.7376 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=22451550  }} </ref> On [[ultrasound]], transitional cell carcinoma is characterized by solid, hypoechoic mass located within the [[renal pelvis]] or within a dilated [[calyx]]. CT urograohy may be diagnostic of transitional cell carcinoma. Findings on CT urography suggestive of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma include filling defect within the renal collecting system, distortion, obliteration, or amputation of calices, and stipple sign.<ref name="KirkaliTuzel2003">{{cite journal|last1=Kirkali|first1=Ziya|last2=Tuzel|first2=Emre|title=Transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis|journal=Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology|volume=47|issue=2|year=2003|pages=155–169|issn=10408428|doi=10.1016/S1040-8428(03)00079-9}}</ref> The predominant therapy for transitional cell carcinoma is [[surgical resection]]. Adjunctive [[chemotherapy]], [[radiation therapy]], and [[immunotherapy]] may be required. Patients with superficial tumors of bladder are treated with intravescical injection of BCG, whereas patients with local spread and distant metastasis are treated with systemic chemotherapy. [[External beam radiation therapy]] may be the treatment for people who can’t have surgery.
Transitional cell carcinoma (also called urothelial cell carcinoma) is a type of cancer that typically occurs in the urinary system: the kidney, ureter, urinary bladder, and urethra. It is the most common type of bladder cancer and second most common type of kidney cancer. Transitional cell carcinoma arises from the [[transitional epithelium]] (also called urothelium), a tissue lining the inner surface of the urinary tract. Transitional cell carcinomas of upper urinary tract are rare cancers accounting for 5-7% of all transitional cell cancer cases.<ref name="KirkaliTuzel2003">{{cite journal|last1=Kirkali|first1=Ziya|last2=Tuzel|first2=Emre|title=Transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis|journal=Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology|volume=47|issue=2|year=2003|pages=155–169|issn=10408428|doi=10.1016/S1040-8428(03)00079-9}}</ref> Transitional cell carcinoma commonly affects individuals older than 60 years of age with the average age of presentation being 65. Males are more commonly affected with transitional cell carcinoma than females. The male to female ratio is approximately 2 to 1. Based on the growth pattern, transitional cell [[carcinoma]] may be classified into either papillary urothelial carcinoma or non-papillary urothelial carcinoma. Transitional cell carcinoma may be classified according to [[World Health Organization]] in a collaborative effort conjointly with the International Society of Urological Pathologists (ISUP) into two groups: infiltrating urothelial carcinomas and non-invasive urothelial carcinomas.<ref name="pmid12461053">{{cite journal| author=Oosterhuis JW, Schapers RF, Janssen-Heijnen ML, Pauwels RP, Newling DW, ten Kate F| title=Histological grading of papillary urothelial carcinoma of the bladder: prognostic value of the 1998 WHO/ISUP classification system and comparison with conventional grading systems. | journal=J Clin Pathol | year= 2002 | volume= 55 | issue= 12 | pages= 900-5 | pmid=12461053 | doi= | pmc=PMC1769816 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12461053  }} </ref> Based on the degree of [[cellular differentiation]], transitional cell carcinoma may be classified into two grades: low grade and high grade. [[Genes]] involved in the [[pathogenesis]] of transitional cell carcinoma of bladder include [[HRAS]], [[Retinoblastoma protein|Rb1]], [[PTEN]]/MMAC1, NAT2, and GSTM1. On gross pathology, flat [[lesions]] or papillary lesions are characteristic findings of '''non-invasive''' transitional cell carcinomas; a large infiltrative [[mass]] or a multifocal, flat to papillary lesion with delicate fronds are characteristic findings of '''invasive''' transitional cell carcinomas. On microscopic histopathological analysis, loss of [[cell]] polarity, [[nuclear]] crowding, and cytologic [[atypia]] are characteristic findings of flat lesion; fibrovascular stalks, umbrella cells, and [[eosinophilic]] [[cytoplasm]] are characteristic findings of [[papillary]] lesion; invasion beyond the [[basement membrane]] is the characteristic finding of invasive transitional cell carcinomas. There are no established causes for transitional cell carcinoma. Transitional cell carcinoma of [[bladder]] must be differentiated from [[Bladder cancer|squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder]], adenocarcinoma of the bladder, [[renal cancer]], [[renal stones]], [[prostate cancer]], and [[cystitis]]. Transitional cell carcinoma of [[renal pelvis]] must be differentiated from [[renal cell carcinoma]], [[Metastasis|kidney metastasis]], renal medullary carcinoma, renal lymphoma, [[renal abscess]], [[renal tuberculosis]], pyelitis cystica, and [[papillary necrosis]]. Common risk factors in the development of transitional cell carcinoma are smoking, occupational exposure to chemicals, chronic bladder irritation, [[chemotherapy]], [[radiation therapy]], [[arsenic]], personal history of cancer in the [[urinary tract]], [[congenital]] bladder anomalies, and aristolochic acids. According to the the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF), there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine [[screening]] for transitional cell carcinoma.<ref name=USPSTF>Bladder Cancer. U.S. Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) 2015. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/BrowseRec/Search?s=transitional+cell+cancer Accessed on February, 10 2016 </ref> Common [[complications]] of transitional cell carcinoma include [[metastasis]], [[anemia]], [[hydronephrosis]], [[urethral stricture]], and [[urinary incontinence]]. Depending on the stage and grade of the tumor at the time of diagnosis, the [[prognosis]] of transitional cell carcinoma may vary. However, the 5-year [[survival rate]] of patients with bladder transitional cell carcinoma is approximately 77.5% and of patients with upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma is approximately 75%.<ref name="pmid11025695">{{cite journal| author=Munoz JJ, Ellison LM| title=Upper tract urothelial neoplasms: incidence and survival during the last 2 decades. | journal=J Urol | year= 2000 | volume= 164 | issue= 5 | pages= 1523-5 | pmid=11025695 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11025695  }} </ref> The staging of transitional cell carcinoma is based on the [[TNM]] staging system. The most common symptoms of transitional cell carcinoma of bladder include [[hematuria]], [[urinary frequency]], [[urinary urgency]], and [[dysuria]]. The most common symptoms of transitional cell carcinoma of upper urinary tract include [[hematuria]] and pain in the [[flank]] or [[abdomen]]. Less common symptoms of transitional cell carcinoma include loss of [[appetite]], [[weight loss]], [[fatigue]], and [[fever]]. Common physical examination findings of transitional cell carcinoma of bladder include [[cachexia]], [[pallor]], and a [[pelvic]] [[mass]] may be palpated. Abdominal and pelvic CT scans may be helpful in the [[diagnosis]] and staging of transitional cell carcinoma. On [[CT scan]], transitional cell carcinoma of [[bladder]] is characterized by either focal regions of thickening of the bladder wall, or as masses protruding into the bladder lumen, or in advanced cases, extending into adjacent tissues.<ref name=radiopaedia>Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Dr Ian Bickle and Dr Frank Gaillard et al. Radiopaedia.org 2015.http://radiopaedia.org/articles/transitional-cell-carcinoma-of-the-bladder Accessed on February, 18 2015</ref> On CT scan, transitional cell carcinoma of upper [[urinary tract]] is characterized by homogenously enhancing mass that centered on the [[renal pelvis]] and extend towards pelviureteric junction, preserved renal contour, and focal pelvicalyceal filling defect.<ref name="pmid22451550">{{cite journal| author=Raza SA, Sohaib SA, Sahdev A, Bharwani N, Heenan S, Verma H et al.| title=Centrally infiltrating renal masses on CT: differentiating intrarenal transitional cell carcinoma from centrally located renal cell carcinoma. | journal=AJR Am J Roentgenol | year= 2012 | volume= 198 | issue= 4 | pages= 846-53 | pmid=22451550 | doi=10.2214/AJR.11.7376 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=22451550  }} </ref> On [[ultrasound]], transitional cell carcinoma is characterized by solid, hypoechoic mass located within the [[renal pelvis]] or within a dilated [[calyx]]. CT urograohy may be diagnostic of transitional cell carcinoma. Findings on CT urography suggestive of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma include filling defect within the renal collecting system, distortion, obliteration, or amputation of calices, and stipple sign.<ref name="KirkaliTuzel2003">{{cite journal|last1=Kirkali|first1=Ziya|last2=Tuzel|first2=Emre|title=Transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis|journal=Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology|volume=47|issue=2|year=2003|pages=155–169|issn=10408428|doi=10.1016/S1040-8428(03)00079-9}}</ref> The predominant therapy for transitional cell carcinoma is [[surgical resection]]. Adjunctive [[chemotherapy]], [[radiation therapy]], and [[immunotherapy]] may be required. Patients with superficial tumors of bladder are treated with intravescical injection of BCG, whereas patients with local spread and distant metastasis are treated with systemic chemotherapy. [[External beam radiation therapy]] may be the treatment for people who can’t have surgery. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for transitional cell carcinoma. The feasibility of surgery depends on the stage of transitional cell carcinoma at diagnosis. Adjunctive [[chemotherapy]], [[radiation therapy]], and [[immunotherapy]] may be required.


==Classification==
==Classification==

Revision as of 18:56, 24 February 2016

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Transitional cell carcinoma (also called urothelial cell carcinoma) is a type of cancer that typically occurs in the urinary system: the kidney, ureter, urinary bladder, and urethra. It is the most common type of bladder cancer and second most common type of kidney cancer. Transitional cell carcinoma arises from the transitional epithelium (also called urothelium), a tissue lining the inner surface of the urinary tract. Transitional cell carcinomas of upper urinary tract are rare cancers accounting for 5-7% of all transitional cell cancer cases.[1] Transitional cell carcinoma commonly affects individuals older than 60 years of age with the average age of presentation being 65. Males are more commonly affected with transitional cell carcinoma than females. The male to female ratio is approximately 2 to 1. Based on the growth pattern, transitional cell carcinoma may be classified into either papillary urothelial carcinoma or non-papillary urothelial carcinoma. Transitional cell carcinoma may be classified according to World Health Organization in a collaborative effort conjointly with the International Society of Urological Pathologists (ISUP) into two groups: infiltrating urothelial carcinomas and non-invasive urothelial carcinomas.[2] Based on the degree of cellular differentiation, transitional cell carcinoma may be classified into two grades: low grade and high grade. Genes involved in the pathogenesis of transitional cell carcinoma of bladder include HRAS, Rb1, PTEN/MMAC1, NAT2, and GSTM1. On gross pathology, flat lesions or papillary lesions are characteristic findings of non-invasive transitional cell carcinomas; a large infiltrative mass or a multifocal, flat to papillary lesion with delicate fronds are characteristic findings of invasive transitional cell carcinomas. On microscopic histopathological analysis, loss of cell polarity, nuclear crowding, and cytologic atypia are characteristic findings of flat lesion; fibrovascular stalks, umbrella cells, and eosinophilic cytoplasm are characteristic findings of papillary lesion; invasion beyond the basement membrane is the characteristic finding of invasive transitional cell carcinomas. There are no established causes for transitional cell carcinoma. Transitional cell carcinoma of bladder must be differentiated from squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder, adenocarcinoma of the bladder, renal cancer, renal stones, prostate cancer, and cystitis. Transitional cell carcinoma of renal pelvis must be differentiated from renal cell carcinoma, kidney metastasis, renal medullary carcinoma, renal lymphoma, renal abscess, renal tuberculosis, pyelitis cystica, and papillary necrosis. Common risk factors in the development of transitional cell carcinoma are smoking, occupational exposure to chemicals, chronic bladder irritation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, arsenic, personal history of cancer in the urinary tract, congenital bladder anomalies, and aristolochic acids. According to the the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF), there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for transitional cell carcinoma.[3] Common complications of transitional cell carcinoma include metastasis, anemia, hydronephrosis, urethral stricture, and urinary incontinence. Depending on the stage and grade of the tumor at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis of transitional cell carcinoma may vary. However, the 5-year survival rate of patients with bladder transitional cell carcinoma is approximately 77.5% and of patients with upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma is approximately 75%.[4] The staging of transitional cell carcinoma is based on the TNM staging system. The most common symptoms of transitional cell carcinoma of bladder include hematuria, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, and dysuria. The most common symptoms of transitional cell carcinoma of upper urinary tract include hematuria and pain in the flank or abdomen. Less common symptoms of transitional cell carcinoma include loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and fever. Common physical examination findings of transitional cell carcinoma of bladder include cachexia, pallor, and a pelvic mass may be palpated. Abdominal and pelvic CT scans may be helpful in the diagnosis and staging of transitional cell carcinoma. On CT scan, transitional cell carcinoma of bladder is characterized by either focal regions of thickening of the bladder wall, or as masses protruding into the bladder lumen, or in advanced cases, extending into adjacent tissues.[5] On CT scan, transitional cell carcinoma of upper urinary tract is characterized by homogenously enhancing mass that centered on the renal pelvis and extend towards pelviureteric junction, preserved renal contour, and focal pelvicalyceal filling defect.[6] On ultrasound, transitional cell carcinoma is characterized by solid, hypoechoic mass located within the renal pelvis or within a dilated calyx. CT urograohy may be diagnostic of transitional cell carcinoma. Findings on CT urography suggestive of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma include filling defect within the renal collecting system, distortion, obliteration, or amputation of calices, and stipple sign.[1] The predominant therapy for transitional cell carcinoma is surgical resection. Adjunctive chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy may be required. Patients with superficial tumors of bladder are treated with intravescical injection of BCG, whereas patients with local spread and distant metastasis are treated with systemic chemotherapy. External beam radiation therapy may be the treatment for people who can’t have surgery. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for transitional cell carcinoma. The feasibility of surgery depends on the stage of transitional cell carcinoma at diagnosis. Adjunctive chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy may be required.

Classification

Based on the growth pattern, transitional cell carcinoma may be classified into either papillary urothelial carcinoma or non-papillary urothelial carcinoma. Transitional cell carcinoma may be classified according to World Health Organization in a collaborative effort conjointly with the International Society of Urological Pathologists (ISUP) into two groups: infiltrating urothelial carcinomas and non-invasive urothelial carcinomas.[2] Based on the degree of cellular differentiation, transitional cell carcinoma may be classified into two grades: low grade and high grade.

Pathophysiology

Genes involved in the pathogenesis of transitional cell carcinoma of bladder include HRAS, Rb1, PTEN/MMAC1, NAT2, and GSTM1. On gross pathology, flat lesions or papillary lesions are characteristic findings of non-invasive transitional cell carcinomas; a large infiltrative mass or a multifocal, flat to papillary lesion with delicate fronds are characteristic findings of invasive transitional cell carcinomas. On microscopic histopathological analysis, loss of cell polarity, nuclear crowding, and cytologic atypia are characteristic findings of flat lesion; fibrovascular stalks, umbrella cells, and eosinophilic cytoplasm are characteristic findings of papillary lesion; invasion beyond the basement membrane is the characteristic finding of invasive transitional cell carcinomas.

Causes

There are no established causes for transitional cell carcinoma.

Differentiating Transitional cell carcinoma from other Diseases

Transitional cell carcinoma of bladder must be differentiated from squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder, adenocarcinoma of the bladder, renal cancer, renal stones, prostate cancer, and cystitis. Transitional cell carcinoma of renal pelvis must be differentiated from renal cell carcinoma, kidney metastasis, renal medullary carcinoma, renal lymphoma, renal abscess, renal tuberculosis, pyelitis cystica, and papillary necrosis.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Common risk factors in the development of transitional cell carcinoma are smoking, occupational exposure to chemicals, chronic bladder irritation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, arsenic, personal history of cancer in the urinary tract, congenital bladder anomalies, and aristolochic acids.

Screening

According to the the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF), there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for transitional cell carcinoma.[3]

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Common complications of transitional cell carcinoma include metastasis, anemia, hydronephrosis, urethral stricture, and urinary incontinence. Depending on the stage and grade of the tumor at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis of transitional cell carcinoma may vary. However, the 5-year survival rate of patients with bladder transitional cell carcinoma is approximately 77.5% and of patients with upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma is approximately 75%.[4]

Diagnosis

Staging

The staging of transitional cell carcinoma is based on the TNM staging system.

History and Symptoms

The most common symptoms of transitional cell carcinoma of bladder include hematuria, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, and dysuria. The most common symptoms of transitional cell carcinoma of upper urinary tract include hematuria and pain in the flank or abdomen. Less common symptoms of transitional cell carcinoma include loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and fever.

Physical Examination

Common physical examination findings of transitional cell carcinoma of bladder include cachexia, pallor, and a pelvic mass may be palpated.

CT

Abdominal and pelvic CT scans may be helpful in the diagnosis and staging of transitional cell carcinoma. On CT scan, transitional cell carcinoma of bladder is characterized by either focal regions of thickening of the bladder wall, or as masses protruding into the bladder lumen, or in advanced cases, extending into adjacent tissues.[5] On CT scan, transitional cell carcinoma of upper urinary tract is characterized by homogenously enhancing mass that centered on the renal pelvis and extend towards pelviureteric junction, preserved renal contour, and focal pelvicalyceal filling defect.[6]

Ultrasound

On ultrasound, transitional cell carcinoma is characterized by solid, hypoechoic mass located within the renal pelvis or within a dilated calyx.

Other Imaging Findings

CT urograohy may be diagnostic of transitional cell carcinoma. Findings on CT urography suggestive of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma include filling defect within the renal collecting system, distortion, obliteration, or amputation of calices, and stipple sign.[1]

Treatment

Medical Therapy

The predominant therapy for transitional cell carcinoma is surgical resection. Adjunctive chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy may be required. Patients with superficial tumors of bladder are treated with intravescical injection of BCG, whereas patients with local spread and distant metastasis are treated with systemic chemotherapy. External beam radiation therapy may be the treatment for people who can’t have surgery.

Surgery

Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for transitional cell carcinoma. The feasibility of surgery depends on the stage of transitional cell carcinoma at diagnosis. Adjunctive chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy may be required.

Primary Prevention

Primary prevention strategies of transitional cell carcinoma include cessation of smoking, avoid exposure to industrial chemicals, avoid aristolochic acids, taking lots of fruits and vegetables, and drinking plenty of liquids.[7]

Secondary Prevention

There are no secondary preventive measures available for transitional cell carcinoma.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Kirkali, Ziya; Tuzel, Emre (2003). "Transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis". Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology. 47 (2): 155–169. doi:10.1016/S1040-8428(03)00079-9. ISSN 1040-8428.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Oosterhuis JW, Schapers RF, Janssen-Heijnen ML, Pauwels RP, Newling DW, ten Kate F (2002). "Histological grading of papillary urothelial carcinoma of the bladder: prognostic value of the 1998 WHO/ISUP classification system and comparison with conventional grading systems". J Clin Pathol. 55 (12): 900–5. PMC 1769816. PMID 12461053.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Bladder Cancer. U.S. Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) 2015. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/BrowseRec/Search?s=transitional+cell+cancer Accessed on February, 10 2016
  4. 4.0 4.1 Munoz JJ, Ellison LM (2000). "Upper tract urothelial neoplasms: incidence and survival during the last 2 decades". J Urol. 164 (5): 1523–5. PMID 11025695.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Dr Ian Bickle and Dr Frank Gaillard et al. Radiopaedia.org 2015.http://radiopaedia.org/articles/transitional-cell-carcinoma-of-the-bladder Accessed on February, 18 2015
  6. 6.0 6.1 Raza SA, Sohaib SA, Sahdev A, Bharwani N, Heenan S, Verma H; et al. (2012). "Centrally infiltrating renal masses on CT: differentiating intrarenal transitional cell carcinoma from centrally located renal cell carcinoma". AJR Am J Roentgenol. 198 (4): 846–53. doi:10.2214/AJR.11.7376. PMID 22451550.
  7. Tanaka, Takuji; Miyazawa, Katsuhito; Tsukamoto, Tetsuya; Kuno, Toshiya; Suzuki, Koji (2011). "Pathobiology and Chemoprevention of Bladder Cancer". Journal of Oncology. 2011: 1–23. doi:10.1155/2011/528353. ISSN 1687-8450.

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