Transitional cell (urothelial) carcinoma is by far the most common type of bladder cancer. It is also referred to as “transitional cell carcinoma” or just “urothelial carcinoma.” This cancer originates in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder. Because urothelial cells also line other structures in the urinary tract, tumors can also develop in the ureters, urethra and parts of the kidney.
What are the symptoms of transitional cell (urothelial) carcinoma?
The signs of transitional cell (urothelial) carcinoma can differ from person to person. Some people may not notice any unusual symptoms, while others may experience:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Pain or a burning sensation during urination
- Frequent urination, or a frequent urge to urinate but an inability to do so
- Pain in the lower back or pelvis
It is important to note that these symptoms are shared by several noncancerous conditions. If you are experiencing any symptoms that concern you, be sure to promptly speak with a physician.
How is transitional cell (urothelial) carcinoma treated?
The details of a patient’s transitional cell (urothelial) carcinoma treatment plan will vary according to many factors, such as his or her age, overall health and the cellular makeup of the cancer. Many treatment plans include a combination of surgery to remove cancerous tissue or the bladder itself, as well as radiation therapy to shrink tumors or intravesical therapy that delivers cancer-fighting medication directly into the bladder.
Moffitt Cancer Center’s Urologic Oncology Program includes a multispecialty team that focuses exclusively on bladder cancers. Our experts collaborate to create individualized treatment plans and provide compassionate supportive care services to achieve the best possible outcomes and a better quality of life. A leader in research, Moffitt also spearheads an ambitious clinical trials program that allows eligible patients to receive breakthrough bladder cancer treatments, such as immunotherapies and biological therapies.
Contact Moffitt at 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online to speak with a Moffitt oncologist specializing in transitional cell (urothelial) carcinoma about your treatment options. We welcome patients with or without referrals.
FAQs
Urothelial carcinoma (also called transitional cell carcinoma) is cancer that begins in the urothelial cells, which line the urethra, bladder, ureters, renal pelvis, and some other organs. Almost all bladder cancers are urothelial carcinomas.
How serious is transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder? ›
If it's high grade, it's more likely to spread to deeper layers of your bladder, other areas of your body, and your lymph nodes. It's also likely to come back after treatment. High-grade TCC is the type of bladder cancer that is more likely to be life-threatening.
What is the difference between urothelial and transitional cell carcinoma? ›
Urothelial (transitional cell) bladder cancer
About 90 out of 100 bladder cancers in the UK (about 90%) are urothelial cancer. These are also called transitional cell cancer. Urothelial cancer develops from the cells of the bladder lining (urothelium). These are called transitional or urothelial cells.
What is the best treatment for transitional cell carcinoma? ›
Nephroureterectomy is surgery to remove the entire kidney, the ureter, and the bladder cuff (tissue that connects the ureter to the bladder). Most people with transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter undergo nephroureterectomy.
What is the meaning of transitional cell carcinoma? ›
Transitional cell cancer (TCC) is a rare type of kidney cancer. It starts in cells called transitional cells. There are many different types of cells in the body, each with a particular job to do.
What is the survival rate for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder? ›
If the cancer extends through the bladder to the surrounding tissue or has spread to nearby lymph nodes or organs, the five-year survival rate is 39%. If the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the five-year survival rate is 8%.
How long do you live with transitional cell carcinoma? ›
Results: The actuarial 5-year overall and disease specific survival for patients with stage III disease was 28 and 40%, respectively. Median disease specific survival was 37 months. Median overall and disease specific survival for patients with stage IV disease was 7 months.
What is the life expectancy for urothelial carcinoma? ›
The 5-year relative survival rate of people with bladder cancer that has not spread beyond the inner layer of the bladder wall is 96%. Almost half of people are diagnosed with this stage. If the tumor is invasive but has not yet spread outside the bladder, the 5-year relative survival rate is 70%.
What is the primary symptom of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder? ›
Symptoms of this type of cancer include: Blood in the urine. Back pain. Cramps in the side or back.
How do you treat transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder? ›
Bladder cancer is sometimes treated with external beam radiation therapy. This type of radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the area of the body with cancer. Radiation therapy may be given alone or with other types of treatment, such as chemotherapy.
Location. The bladder is by far the most common site of transitional cell carcinomas, 50 times more common than TCC of the renal pelvis, and 100 times more common than TCC of the ureter 1. Bladder TCCs are the most common tumor of the entire urinary tract.
How fast does transitional cell carcinoma grow? ›
TCC is slow growing and usually has no symptoms in the early stages.
What is the new name for transitional cell carcinoma? ›
Types of bladder cancer
Urothelial carcinoma (also called transitional cell carcinoma) is cancer that begins in the urothelial cells, which line the urethra, bladder, ureters, renal pelvis, and some other organs.
Where does transitional cell carcinoma come from? ›
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.
Does transitional cell carcinoma spread? ›
Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder commonly metastasizes to the pelvic lymph nodes, lungs, liver, bones, adrenals, or brain.
What is the 5 year survival rate for transitional cell carcinoma? ›
Overall survival and cancer-specific survival
For the entire cohort, there were 986 (51.6%) patients who died and 704 (36.9%) patients who died from primary transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter. The median overall survival (OS) was 46 months, and the 5-year OS rate was 41.8%.
Can you survive transitional cell carcinoma? ›
It's helpful to get an early diagnosis of transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter because the disease is highly curable when it's treated before it spreads. After treatment, patients should continue to see their doctor regularly to monitor the possible recurrence of the cancer.
What symptoms are typically associated with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder? ›
Other bladder cancer symptoms include:
- Visible blood in your pee (hematuria): Healthcare providers can also spot microscopic amounts of blood in pee when they do a urinalysis.
- Pain when you pee (dysuria): This is a burning or stinging sensation that you may feel when you start to pee or after you pee.
