Transitional cell carcinoma natural history, complications and prognosis

Transitional cell carcinoma Microchapters
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Complications

Bladder cancers may spread into the nearby organs. They may also travel through the pelvic lymph nodes and spread to the liver, lungs, and bones. Additional complications of bladder cancer include:

• Anemia
• Swelling of the ureters(hydronephrosis)
• Urethral stricture
• Urinary incontinence

Prognosis

How well a patient with bladder cancer does depends on the initial stage and response to treatment of the bladder cancer.

The outlook for stage 0 or I cancers is fairly good. Although the risk of the cancer returning is high, most bladder cancers that return can be surgically removed and cured. After treatment for bladder cancer, patient should be closely monitored for return of cancer. This may include:

• Bone scans and CT scans to check for the spread or return of cancer
• Monitoring symptoms that might suggest the disease is getting worse, such as fatigue, weight loss, increased pain, decreased bowel and bladder function, and weakness
• Complete blood count (CBC) to monitor for anemia
• Bladder exams every 3 to 6 months after treatment
• Urinalysis if you did not have your bladder removed

The cure rates for people with stage III tumors are less than 50%. Patients with stage IV bladder cancer are rarely cured.