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Transitional cell
carcinoma (TCC) originates in the transitional cells (cells lining the urinary
tract). The common sites of transitional cell carcinoma are the renal pelvis,
ureter and the bladder. Transitional cell carcinoma is more common in males as
compared to females. Risk factors include urinary tract infection, analgesic
nephropathy, smoking and industrial toxins. Symptoms of transitional cell
carcinoma of the renal pelvis include an abdominal lump, lumbar pain, renal colic,
polyuria, dysuria, haematuria and hypertension. Occlusion of the pelvic ureteric junction may lead to hydronephrosis. The tumour usually spreads by implantation
(seeding) forming multiple tumours in the ureter and the bladder.
Staging of transional cell
carcinoma is done as follows:
Procedures used in
diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis include CT scan,
MRI, ureteroscopy and biopsy.
Carcinoma of the
bladder is the second most common urological cancer. Incidence of the bladder
carcinoma is threefold higher in males as compared to females. It usually
occurs around the age of 60 years. Carcinoma of the bladder is of three types,
i.e. transitional cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
The transitional cell carcinoma is the most common type comprising about 90 per
cent of the bladder cancers. Risk factors include urinary stasis, urinary tract
infection, analgesic nephropathy, smoking, industrial toxins, cyclophosphamide
and radiotherapy. It has been observed that hairdressers, machine operators,
metal workers and painters are more likely to develop the bladder carcinoma.
Carcinoma of the
bladder usually presents with painless haematuria, lumbar pain, strangury,
dysuria, anaemia, cachexia and irritating voiding symptoms such as frequency
& urgency. There may occur hydronephrosis. The pelvic infiltration of the
tumour may cause pelvic pain and low backache. There may be a pain in the
suprapubic region, groin, anus, perineum and the thighs. Carcinoma of the
bladder usually metastasises to the liver, supraclavicular lymph nodes and the
pelvic lymph nodes.
Staging of carcinoma of
the bladder is done as follows:
Procedures used in
diagnosis of the bladder carcinoma include urine analysis, flow cytometry, IVP,
CT scan, cystoscopy and biopsy.
Disclaimer:
This content is for information and educational purposes only and should not be perceived as medical advice. Please consult a certified medical or healthcare professional before making any decision regarding your health using the content above.
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Urinary Tract (Transitional Cell Carcinoma) & Bladder Cancer