Current theory suggests that transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) occurs as either of 2 disease processes, each of which has a distinct cytologic appearance and clinical course: low-grade and high-grade TCC. Urinary cytology has become a mainstay technique for monitoring disease recurrence in patients with TCC.
Most cases of high-grade TCC can be diagnosed accurately in urinary cytology specimens. However, the cytologic diagnosis of low-grade TCC is difficult; these tumors exhibit subtle cytomorphologic alterations that are difficult to distinguish from benign or reactive processes.
Cancer Staging
If a cancer diagnosis is made, the oncologist will classify it by stage.
This is done using the TNM staging system.
The TNM system describes the size of the original tumor ("T"), the infiltration of cancer into nearby lymph nodes ("N"), and the extent of metastasis("M").
Metastasis is when cancer spreads to distant parts of the body.
The goal is to.
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Causes and Risk Factors
Cancer of the bladder or kidneys is often related to cigarette smoke.
In fact, around 50% of TCC diagnoses in males and 30% in females are associated with smoking.Moreover, the risk and stage of the disease appear directly linked to the number of years a person has smoked and the daily frequency of smoking.
Research also suggests that bladder cance.
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Diagnosis
The first sign of TCC is often blood in the urine.
Sometimes the blood is not visible, but it can be easily detected in a urinalysis (urine test).
A urine cytology test can also be used to look for cancer cells in urine.
This is a less reliable form of diagnosis, however.
Newer technologies can identify proteins and other substances in urine associ.
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Does urine cytology show TCC?
Urine sediment exam may reveal tumour cells in 30% or more of all TCC cases, but reactive transitional cells may look very similar to TCC cells.
Therefore, urine cytology must be interpreted with caution.
A sample from the affected bladder tissue is often needed to confirm the diagnosis.
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Drug Therapies
Traditional chemotherapy drugs are commonly used in combination therapy.
These may include:.
1) Trexall (methotrexate).
2) Velban (vinblastine).
3) Adriamycin (doxorubicin).
4) Platinol (cisplatin) These drugs are cytotoxic, meaning they are toxic to living cells.
They work by targeting fast-replicating cells like cancer.
As a result of this action, th.
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How do you know if you have cystitis (TCC)?
Urinalysis (UA) is often the first step in diagnosing TCC; however, findings may be similar to those noted with cystitis, including:
- pyuria
- hematuria
- bacteruria
Urine sediment exam may reveal tumour cells in 30% or more of all TCC cases, but reactive transitional cells may look very similar to TCC cells.
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How is TCC treated?
Treatment of TCC is largely dependent on the stage of the disease, the extent to which the cancer has spread, and the type of organs involved.
Some of the treatments are relatively simple with high cure rates.
Others are more extensive and may require both primary and adjunctive (secondary) therapies.
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Prevention
Prevention of TCC starts with factors you can control.
Of these, cigarettes are key.
The facts are simple: bladder cancer is the second most common smoking-related malignancy behind lung cancer.
Quitting not only significantly reduces your risk of TCC but can prevent cancer recurrence once you've been successfully treated.
Quitting can be difficult.
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Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of TCC will vary by the location of the tumor.
TCC can develop in tissue from anywhere along the urinary tract, including:.
1) The renal sinus (the cavity within the kidneys).
2) The ureter (the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder).
3) The innermost lining of the bladder.
4) The urethra (the tube from which urine is expelled from the b.
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Treatment Approaches
Treatment of TCC is largely dependent on the stage of the disease, the extent to which the cancer has spread, and the type of organs involved.
Some of the treatments are relatively simple with high cure rates.
Others are more extensive and may require both primary and adjunctive(secondary) therapies.
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What is HGUC cytology?
The Paris System for reporting urinary cytology, version 2.0, ranging from negative to positive for high grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC). Transitional refers to the histological subtype of the cancerous cells as seen under a microscope.
Transitional cell carcinomas are mostly papillary (70%, and 30% non-papillary).
