bladder squamous cell carcinoma

Bladder Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Rare but Aggressive Form of Bladder Cancer

Bladder squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare and aggressive form of bladder cancer that accounts for approximately 2-5% of all bladder cancers in the United States. It is characterized by the growth of abnormal cells in the lining of the bladder, which can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Causes and Risk Factors

Squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder is often associated with chronic irritation or infection of the bladder, such as from a urinary catheter or a parasitic infection like schistosomiasis. This type of cancer is more common in regions where schistosomiasis is endemic, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.

Symptoms

The symptoms of bladder squamous cell carcinoma can be similar to those of other types of bladder cancer, including:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Painful urination (dysuria)
• Frequent urination
• Abdominal pain

However, squamous cell carcinoma tends to present with more advanced symptoms and a higher stage at diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment for bladder squamous cell carcinoma typically involves surgery, such as radical cystectomy, which is the removal of the entire bladder. Other treatments may include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Prognosis

Unfortunately, bladder squamous cell carcinoma has a poorer prognosis compared to other types of bladder cancer, with a higher risk of recurrence and metastasis.

References

• [1] According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), bladder cancer is the most common malignancy of the urinary tract in the United States.
• [2-5%] As stated in search result 15, squamous cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 2-5% of all bladder cancers in the United States.
• [6] Squamous cells are thin, flat cells that line the inside of the bladder, which can become cancerous and form squamous cell carcinoma. (Search result 6)
• [7] As mentioned in search result 7, squamous cells are flat cells that make up the moist, skin-like lining of the bladder.
• [8] Squamous cell carcinoma appears nodular and has a plaquelike, irregular surface with involvement of multiple bladder sites. (Search result 8)

Diagnosing Bladder Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Bladder squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare type of cancer that affects the bladder. Diagnosing this condition requires a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.

Diagnostic Tests:

• Cystoscopy: This is the primary test to identify and diagnose bladder SCC. During cystoscopy, a pencil-sized lighted tube called a cystoscope is used to view the inside of the bladder (4).
• Biopsy: A biopsy may be performed during cystoscopy to collect cell samples from the bladder lining for testing (1). This procedure is sometimes called transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) (2).
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as intravenous urography, renal ultrasonography, and CT scans may be used to evaluate the upper urinary tract and detect any potential spread of cancer (8).

Other Diagnostic Tests:

• Urinalysis: Abnormalities in urine may prompt a biopsy or other tests, especially if there are symptoms of concern (10).
• PET scan: A PET scan may be used to show up areas of the body where cells are more active than normal, which can help detect cancer spread (11).

Important Notes:

• Bladder SCC is rare in the United States and is associated with chronic irritation of the bladder, such as from an infection or long-term use of a urinary catheter (5).
• The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder is based primarily on morphology, and immunohistochemical stains do not have a significant role in diagnosis (12).

References:

[1] Genetic testing for some people with bladder cancer may be necessary to identify inherited gene changes that increase risk. [2] Tests and procedures used to diagnose bladder cancer include cystoscopy and biopsy. [3] Squamous cell carcinoma is associated with chronic irritation of the bladder. [4] Cystoscopy is the primary test to identify and diagnose bladder SCC. [5] Bladder SCC is rare in the United States. [6] The most common clinical presentation is asymptomatic hematuria. [7] Squamous cell carcinoma can occur in both nonbilharzial and bilharzial bladders. [8] All patients with bladder cancer should have an evaluation of the upper urinary tract. [9] A biopsy may be performed during cystoscopy to collect cell samples from the bladder lining for testing. [10] Abnormalities in urine may prompt a biopsy or other tests, especially if there are symptoms of concern. [11] A PET scan may be used to show up areas of the body where cells are more active than normal. [12] The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder is based primarily on morphology.