This information is provided by Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice
What is it?
Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is an aggressive, malignant cancer of the urinary bladder that affects both dogs and cats. Often times it invades into the urethra and/ or ureters, causing obstruction of the urinary tract and disruption of normal urine flow. Animals usually present to their veterinarian for the inability to urinate or difficult urination, blood in the urine, or urinary incontinence. TCC is most likely to metastasize (spread) to local or regional lymph nodes, but can spread to any organ system via the bloodstream. It is commonly diagnosed by a combination of urinalysis and urine sediment cytology, ultrasound of the urinary bladder and urethra, and biopsy of the affected area.
How is it treated?
TCC is a difficult disease to treat surgically, but if the tumor is localized to a specific area, surgical resection with or without a tube cystostomy (permanent urinary catheter) may be an option. Most cases of TCC must be treated with chemotherapy or radiation due to the nature and location of the tumor. The two most common chemotherapeutic agents used for treatment of TCC are doxorubicin and piroxicam, both of which can be used in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs. As cost is often a limiting factor in what treatments are viable, it is important to remember that none of the treatments for TCC are curative. Surgery and radiation therapies can often be expensive procedures, while chemotherapy can be a more affordable option.
What is the prognosis for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC)?
As with any disease, prognosis is dependent on the extent of the disease and the treatment chosen. With surgical intervention, in which an attempt was made to remove as much of the tumor as possible, there should be an increase in survival time. Chemotherapy, in addition to surgery, may improve survival time better still. Chemotherapy alone may also increase survival time. Regardless of treatment, if the tumor blocks the passage of urine, an unpleasant, painful death is imminent within a 1-2 days. Humane euthanasia should seriously be considered to alleviate suffering. A personalized treatment plan is important to slow the progression of TCC. Talk to your veterinarian regarding the best treatment protocol for your pet.
