Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Renal, Bladder and Urethra in Cats
Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is a malignant (aggressive) and metastasizing (spreading) cancer arising from the transitional epithelium – the highly stretchable lining of the urinary tract system – of the kidney, ureters (the tubes that carry fluid from the kidneys to the bladder), urinary bladder, urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside), prostate, or vagina.
The underlying cause of TCC is unknown in cats. TCC occurs most commonly in female cats.
Symptoms and Types
- Straining to urinate
- Frequent urination of small amounts (pollakiuria)
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Difficulty urinating (dysuria)
- Wetting on the floor, furniture, bed, etc. (urinary incontinence)
Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam on your cat, into account the background history of symptoms and possible incidents that might have led to this condition. You will need to provide a thorough history of your cat's health leading up to the onset of symptoms. A complete blood profile will be conducted, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, a urinalysis and an electrolyte panel. Urine should also be sent for culture and sensitivity testing since a concurrent urinary tract infection is common.
X-rays of the chest and abdomen should be taken to look for possible spread of the cancer. Intravenous pyelography, a procedure that is used to take an X-ray image of the urinary system, will be used to examine the urinary tract, bladder and kidneys. For this procedure, a contrasting dye will be injected into the bloodstream, to be picked up by the kidneys and passed through through the ureters, bladder and urethra. The contrasting dye is visible on the X-ray imaging so that the internal structures can be seen and determined to be functioning normally or abnormally. Other contrast dye procedures that can be used to image the urinary tract may be used, either instead of, or in addition to, a pyelography. They include a voiding urethrogram (x-rays of dyes as the patient urinates), or vaginogram (X-rays of dyes within the vagina). These latter X-ray techniques are indicated if urethral or vaginal disease is suspected. Double-contrast cystography is the best way to visualize the mass(es) which are normally located at the trigone of the urinary bladder (a smooth triangular area inside the bladder).
For a definitive diagnosis, a biopsy of the mass is the gold standard. Biopsies may be obtained through traumatic catheterization (jamming a catheter into the masses), exploratory laparotomy (abdominal surgery), or cystoscopy (using a small camera with instruments attached). However, ultrasound-guided biopsy is not recommended, because this can easily cause further spreading of the cancer.
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
A tube found between the bladder and the outside of the body; used to assist in urination.
A medical condition; implies that the patient is unable to control their urination.
urinary tract infection
Also referred to as a UTI; a medical condition of the urinary tract and system in which the cells are damaged by microorganisms.
The process of elimination when it comes to the bowels or the bladder
A band of tissue that makes a passage narrower
A medical condition involving frequent urination
Having a hard time urinating; pain while urinating
A covering of cells that turns into the outermost layer of skin and covers the body
Blood in the urine
Something that becomes worse or life threatening as it spreads
The process of removing tissue to examine it, usually for medical reasons.