Bladder carcinoma

Pathology

Almost all cases of Bladder carcinomas are originating from the transitional epithelium.

Since, the urothelium is frequently exposed to carcinogens that might be excreted through the urine. Urothelium over the bladder is commonly involved since there's always residual urine.

Occasionally, bladder carcinoma might be squamous cell in nature.

This is usually seen when there's chronic inflammation of the bladder mucosa, caused by stones or schistosomiasis.

Rarely, it presents as adenocarcinoma.

Usually due to local infiltration of tumour from pelvic organs, or bowel.

History and examination

Males are 3 times more likely to have CA bladder than females.

Age of presentation is usually around 60-70s.

Certain occupations are at high risk of developing this malignancy, especially those frequently deals with chemical dyes (Naphthylamine and Benzidine):

Leather workers

Painters or decorators

Paper or rubber manufactures

Dental technicians

Painless and terminal or total hematuria present in about 80% of the cases

Sometimes, patients might be passing out blood clots

Hence, there might be dysuria, or difficulty in micturition

If the residual urine gets infected, there's symptoms of cystitis

If the tumours originating from the ureteric orifice of bladder, loin pain can present

If infiltration had taken place to adjacent structures, lower abdominal pain radiating to the legs might be present

Bear in mind that for patients with recurrent cystitis not responding to treatment, think of CA bladder.

On examination, usually is not very helpful.

Mass may be palpable over the suprapubic area, over even during per rectal examination.

TMN staging of bladder carcinoma

 

Tis - Carcinoma in situ, means tumour cells are present only over the inner lining

Ta - Non-invasive, papillary tumour

T1 - Invasive, however, yet to involve the bladder musculature

T2a and T2b - Infiltration beyond bladder musculature

T3a and T3b - Infiltration into the fatty tissue around the bladder

T4a and T4b - Invasion into the adjacent organs (prostate, pelvic wall)

Investigation

Intravenous urogram will shows filling defect within bladder :

IF such picture is seen, a retrograde ureteropyelogram is indicated

 

Then, cystourethrography should be done under general anasthesia for examination of the tumour, and biopsy specimen can be taken.

CT abdomen for staging.