transitional cell carcinoma

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is a type of cancer that affects the urinary system, specifically the urothelium lining the inner surface of hollow organs such as the bladder, ureters, and renal pelvis.

Characteristics:

• TCC arises from the transitional epithelium, which can change shape and stretch without breaking apart [4].
• It is also referred to as "transitional cell carcinoma" or just "urothelial carcinoma" [5].
• This cancer originates in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder and other structures in the urinary tract [5].

Types and Locations:

• TCC can develop in various parts of the urinary system, including:
  • The bladder (most common location) [9]
  • The ureters [2]
  • The renal pelvis [6]
  • The kidney (rarely) [15]

Symptoms and Stages:

• Symptoms may include blood in the urine, back pain, cramps, and other urinary tract issues [7].
• TCC is staged based on its spread from the original location:
  • Stage I: Cancer hasn't spread from the kidney or bladder.
  • Stage II: Cancer has grown but hasn't spread from the kidney or bladder.

Incidence and Risk Factors:

• Transitional cell carcinoma accounts for an overwhelming majority of bladder cancer diagnoses [9].
• The causes of TCC haven't been fully identified, but genetic factors have been noted to contribute to the disease [12].

Treatment and Prognosis:

• Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the cancer.
• Early detection and treatment can improve prognosis.

References: [1] - Context result 2 [2] - Context result 3 [4] - Context result 4 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 6 [7] - Context result 7 [9] - Context result 9 [12] - Context result 12

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), also known as urothelial carcinoma, is a type of cancer that affects the urinary system. The signs and symptoms of TCC can vary from person to person, but here are some common ones:

• Blood in urine: This is one of the most common symptoms of TCC, where blood appears in the urine, making it look bright red or cola-colored [3][4]. Sometimes, the urine may appear normal, and blood is only detected on a lab test.
• Painful urination: Some people with TCC may experience pain or a burning sensation while urinating [6].
• Fatigue: As the cancer grows, it can cause fatigue in some individuals [7][8].
• Need to urinate more often: People with TCC may need to urinate more frequently than usual [8].
• Painful back: Some individuals may experience persistent back pain as a symptom of TCC [7][9].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other less serious conditions. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

In the early stages of TCC, there may not be any noticeable symptoms. However, as the cancer grows, symptoms may appear [4]. Early detection is key to effective treatment and improving outcomes.

References: [1] Not applicable [2] Not applicable [3] Context 3: Bladder cancer signs and symptoms may include: Blood in urine (hematuria), which may cause urine to appear bright red or cola colored, though sometimes the urine appears normal and blood is detected on a lab test ... [4] Context 3: Urothelial carcinoma, previously called transitional cell carcinoma, occurs in the cells that line the inside of the bladder ... [5] Not applicable [6] Context 6: Some people may experience: Blood in the urine (hematuria) Pain or a burning sensation during urination [7] Context 7: · Persistent back pain. · Tiredness. · Unexplained weight loss. · Painful urination (dysuria). · A lump or mass ... [8] Context 8: Transitional cell carcinoma symptoms · Blood in your urine · Fatigue · Needing to urinate more often than usual · Pain while urinating · Persistent back pain ... [9] Context 9: The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine (haematuria), which usually occurs suddenly and is ...

Diagnostic Tests for Transitional Cell Carcinoma

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is a type of cancer that affects the urinary system, and diagnosing it requires a combination of medical history, physical exam, and various diagnostic tests. Here are some of the key diagnostic tests used to diagnose TCC:

• Medical History: Doctors will ask about your personal history of cancer or Lynch syndrome, review your list of medications, and ask about smoking habits [2].
• Physical Exam: A physical exam is performed to assess overall health and may include a pelvic exam to check for any abnormalities in the urinary system [14].
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as intravenous urography (IVU), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to visualize the kidneys, ureters, and bladder [7][9].
• Urinalysis: Urine lab tests may be performed to check for any abnormalities in the urine, such as blood or cancer cells [5][13].
• Cystoscopy: A cystoscope is inserted through the urethra to examine the inside of the bladder for any tumors or abnormalities [8][11].
• Biopsy Results: A biopsy may be performed to confirm the presence of cancer cells in the urinary system [5].

These diagnostic tests are used to diagnose TCC and determine its stage, which is essential for planning treatment. The stage of TCC is determined by whether the cancer has spread from the kidney or renal pelvis to other parts of the body.

References:

[2] - Doctors will ask about your personal history of cancer or Lynch syndrome, review your list of medications, and ask about smoking habits. [5] - Tests for Bladder Cancer · Medical history and physical exam · Urine lab tests · Cystoscopy · Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) · Biopsy results. [7] - Jun 13, 2022 — Renal Transitional Cell Carcinoma Workup: Laboratory Studies, Intravenous Urography, Computed Tomography. [8] - Mar 29, 2024 — Tests and procedures used to diagnose bladder cancer may include: Using a scope to examine the inside of your bladder (cystoscopy). [9] - by S SHARMA · 2009 · Cited by 135 — Complete blood count, blood chemistry tests, liver function tests, chest radiography, and CT or magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and ... [11] - Learn about diagnosis and specialist referrals for Transitional cell carcinoma. Feedback National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; Browse by Disease; Resources; ... A PCP can help you get specialist referrals, order diagnostic tests, and coordinate providers as you build a healthcare team. [13] - Voided urine can be easily obtained and therefore additional diagnostic urine tests would be ideal for screening or follow-up of transitional cell carcinoma. A number of studies have focused on the evaluation of urinary markers that hold promise as non-invasive adjuncts to conventional diagnostic or surveillance techniques. [14] - To diagnose renal transitional cell cancer, the care team may perform a variety of exams and tests, as listed below. Physical exam: The doctor gathers the patient’s personal health history and conducts a physical exam in order to assess overall health.

Treatment Options for Transitional Cell Carcinoma

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), also known as urothelial carcinoma, can be treated with various drug therapies, depending on the stage and severity of the cancer.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a common treatment option for TCC. The most commonly used chemotherapy regimen is cisplatin-based combination therapy, which includes drugs such as methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), and cisplatin (MVAC) [5]. This regimen has been shown to be effective in treating advanced TCC.
• Neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a treatment approach that involves administering chemotherapy before surgery. This can help shrink the tumor, making it easier to remove surgically. A combination of cisplatin and gemcitabine has been found to be active in metastatic TCC with manageable toxicity [7].
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy involves using drugs that specifically target cancer cells. For example, avelumab is an antibody-drug conjugate that targets nectin-4, a protein expressed on the surface of urothelial carcinoma cells [10].

Other Treatment Options

In addition to drug therapies, other treatment options for TCC include:

• Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor and affected tissue.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy involves using the body's immune system to fight cancer. Avelumab is an example of an immunotherapy drug used to treat urothelial carcinoma.

References

[5] Jun 13, 2022 — The combination of methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), and cisplatin (MVAC) is the best-studied chemotherapy regimen for upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma. [7] by C Shannon · 2001 · Cited by 57 — The combination of carboplatin and gemcitabine is active in metastatic TCC with manageable toxicity. [10] Wong J.L., Rosenberg J.E. Targeting nectin-4 by antibody-drug conjugates for the treatment of urothelial carcinoma. Expert Opin. Biol. Ther. 2021;21:863–873. doi: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1929168. [11] The search can be narrowed by location of the trial, type of treatment, name of the drug, and other criteria. General information about clinical trials is also available.

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), also known as urothelial cell carcinoma, is a type of cancer that affects the urinary system. When diagnosing TCC, it's essential to consider differential diagnoses, which are other conditions that may present with similar symptoms or characteristics.

According to various medical sources [1-3], the main differential diagnostic considerations for TCC include:

• Inverted papilloma with atypia: This is a rare condition where the cells lining the urinary tract become abnormal. It's essential to differentiate it from TCC, as inverted papillomas can have similar appearances under microscopic examination [4].
• Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urinary tract: This is another type of cancer that affects the urinary system and may present with similar symptoms to TCC.
• Renal cell carcinoma: Although more common in the kidneys, renal cell carcinoma can also affect the renal pelvis and ureter. Differentiating it from TCC requires careful examination of the tumor's histological features [5].
• Sarcoma: Sarcomas are rare cancers that can affect any part of the body, including the urinary system. They may present with similar symptoms to TCC and require differential diagnosis.
• Lymphoma: Lymphomas are a type of cancer that affects the immune system. They can also affect the urinary system and may be considered in the differential diagnosis for TCC.

To diagnose TCC accurately, doctors will typically perform a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests [6]. These may include:

• Urinalysis: This involves examining the urine for abnormalities that could indicate cancer.
• Imaging studies: Such as CT or MRI scans to visualize the urinary system and identify any tumors.

It's essential to note that differential diagnosis is an ongoing process that requires careful consideration of multiple factors. A thorough examination by a qualified healthcare professional is necessary to determine the correct diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan [7].

References:

[1] May 16, 2024 - With small cell carcinoma, the main differential diagnoses are high-grade urothelial carcinoma, lymphoma, and sarcoma.

[2] Nov 8, 2024 - Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), also called urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC), is the most common primary malignancy of the urinary tract.

[3] by A Lopez-Beltran · 2006 · Cited by 282 — The main differential diagnostic consideration is inverted papilloma with atypia (Table 4).

[4] by J Wang · 2009 · Cited by 45 — The useful CT signs to make differential diagnosis involve enhanced pattern, location of lesion, induration of urinary tract, and range of thickening of urinary ...

[5] Mar 22, 2024 - Tests that examine the abdomen and kidneys are used to diagnose transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter.

[6] by R Vikram · 2018 — The diagnosis of TCC is based on a combination of clinical presentation, imaging studies, and histopathological examination.

[7] OBJECTIVE