Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Transitional Cell Carcinoma Causes
There are several risk factors identified with transitional cell carcinoma or TCC, however, there is no known exact cause. Among said factors are cigarette smoking, Balkan endemic nephropathy, analgesic abuse, chronic bacterial infection, and exposure to chemical, petrochemical, aniline dye, coal, coke, tar, and asphalt.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma Definition
Originating in the kidney, bladder or ureter, Transitional cell carcinoma is a type of cancer and is the most common type of bladder cancer. The disease arises from the transitional epithelium lining found in said organs.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma Diagnosis
It would take a step-by-step procedure before reaching a diagnosis of TCC. First step is urinalysis and culture, second is a radiograph especially if the first step doesn't reveal any infection, and third is a V-BTA test. Said test is also known as a bladder tumor antigen test, which is preformed if no stone is visible on the radiographs.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma Treatment
The existing treatments for TCC include topical immunotherapy or chemotherapy, systemic chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. After diagnosis of upper-tract TCC, surgical intervention is required and is the main form of radical treatment for localized disease. Radical nephroureterectomy may also benefit those with poorly differentiated tumors or high-stage disease. Other procedures include endoscopic treatment and conservative open surgical treatment.