Transitional cell carcinoma

Transitional cell carcinoma, is a type of cancer that typically occurs in the urinary system. It is the most common type of bladder cancer and cancer of the ureter, urethra, and urachus. It is the second most common type of kidney cancer, but accounts for only five to 10 percent of all primary renal malignant tumors.Histopathology of urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder, showing a nested pattern of invasion. Transurethral biopsy. Hematoxylin and eosin.Histopathology of urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder.Histopathology of urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder.Micrograph of urethral urothelial cell carcinoma. Hematoxylin and eosin stain. Transitional cell carcinoma, is a type of cancer that typically occurs in the urinary system. It is the most common type of bladder cancer and cancer of the ureter, urethra, and urachus. It is the second most common type of kidney cancer, but accounts for only five to 10 percent of all primary renal malignant tumors. Transitional cell carcinomas arise from the transitional epithelium, a tissue lining the inner surface of these hollow organs. When the term 'urothelial' is used, it specifically refers to a carcinoma of the urothelium, meaning a transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary system. Signs and symptoms of transitional cell carcinomas depend on the location and extent of the cancer. Urothelial carcinoma is a prototypical example of a malignancy arising from environmental carcinogenic influences. By far the most important cause is cigarette smoking, which contributes to approximately one-half of the disease burden. Chemical exposure, such as those sustained by workers in the petroleum industry, the manufacture of paints and pigments (e.g., aniline dyes), and agrochemicals are known to predispose one to urothelial cancer. The risk is lowered by increased liquid consumption, presumably as a consequence of increased urine production and thus less dwell time on the urothelial surface. Conversely, risk is increased among long-haul truck drivers and others in whom long urine dwell-times are encountered. As with most epithelial cancers, physical irritation has been associated with increased risk of malignant transformation of the urothelium. Thus, urothelial carcinomas are more common in the context of chronic urinary stone disease, chronic catheterization (as in patients with paraplegia or multiple sclerosis), and chronic infections. Some particular examples are listed below: Transitional cell carcinomas are often multifocal, with 30–40% of patients having more than one tumor at diagnosis. The pattern of growth of transitional cell carcinomas can be papillary, sessile, or carcinoma in situ. The most common site of transitional cell carcinoma metastasis outside the pelvis is bone (35%); of these, 40 percent are in the spine.