We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Transitional Cell Bladder Carcinoma?

By D. Jeffress
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,218
Share

Transitional cell bladder carcinoma is the most common type of urinary tract cancer. It affects both men and women and can occur at any age, though bladder cancer is most prevalent in people over the age of 60. Smoking is the single largest risk factor for developing the condition, though a person who has been exposed to industrial chemicals or has a genetic predisposition to cancer is also at risk.Bladder cancer is usually fatal without treatment. Early detection of transitional cell bladder carcinoma by a trained urologist is essential in providing a patient with the best chances of survival.

About half of people who are diagnosed with transitional cell bladder carcinoma have the low-grade variety, meaning the cancer is restricted to the outermost layers of the urinary tract lining and is unlikely to spread quickly to other parts of the body. The other half of patients have high-grade carcinoma, which means the cancer penetrates the outer lining and afflicts the underlying muscle tissue. High-grade carcinomas tend to form tumors and spread quickly.

In its earliest stages, transitional cell bladder carcinoma may not produce physical symptoms. As the cancer progresses, the most common symptom is hematuria, or blood in the urine. An individual may also experience frequent urges to urinate and pain during urination. If a tumor grows very large, it may create a palpable lump on the lower abdomen. A person who experiences any possible symptoms of transitional cell bladder carcinoma should contact a urologist immediately.

When a urologist suspects carcinoma, he or she usually first collects a urine sample to check for hematuria and rule out the possibility of a simple infection. In addition, the doctor can take a computerized tomography scan to look for tumors and other abnormalities. When cancer seems to be the likely cause of symptoms, the urologist conducts a procedure called a cystoscopy. A long, lighted tube is inserted into the urethra, so the doctor can closely inspect bladder tissue. A tissue biopsy may also be performed to confirm transitional cell bladder carcinoma.

Treatment for transitional cell bladder carcinoma depends on the exact location of the cancer and the severity of symptoms. When carcinoma is detected early, chemotherapy or radiation treatments can be administered in an attempt to destroy the cancerous cells. Surgery may be conducted to remove isolated tumors from the bladder and surrounding tissue. Additional treatment measures are needed if the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. Transitional cell bladder carcinoma tends to be a persistent condition, so doctors usually schedule regular checkups with their patients even after successful treatments to ensure problems do not return.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon129272 — On Nov 22, 2010

I am 15 and was diagnosed with Transitional cell bladder carcinoma. This article was very informative.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-transitional-cell-bladder-carcinoma.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.