Metastatic Pattern of Spread of Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder
Introduction:
Transitional cell epithelium lines the bladder and ureters. TCC most commonly involves the bladder, but it can also arise from the renal pelvis or ureter. It is much more common in males, and smoking is a significant risk factor.
Prevalence: Rare Metastasis Frequency: Rare
References:
Rev Urol. 2002 Spring;4(2):97-9. PMID: 16985663
Urology. 1980 Aug;16(2):142-4. PMID: 7404907
J Clin Oncol. 1999 Oct;17(10):3173-81. PMID: 10506615
AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1979 Mar;132(3):419-25. PMID: 106647
Primary Tumor:
| Characteristics | Comments | |
| Bladder | Filling Defect, Local Wall Thickening |
Known Metastatic Locations:
| Site | Frequency | Characteristics | Comments |
| Local Lymph Nodes | Common | ||
| Liver | Common | ||
| Lung Parenchyma | Common | Nodule | |
| Bone | Common | Mixed Lytic and Blastic, Blastic | |
| Adrenal Glands | Common | ||
| Small Intestine | Uncommon | ||
| Mediastinum | Uncommon | ||
| Brain | Rare | ||
| Kidney | Rare | ||
| Spleen | Very Rare | ||
| Pancreas | Very Rare | ||
| Dura (Meninges) | Very Rare | ||
| Uterus | Very Rare | ||
| Ovary | Very Rare | ||
| Prostate | Very Rare | ||
| Testes | Very Rare |