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Prostatic Transitional Cell Carcinoma Treatment Near You in NJ, CT, MA, and the Washington, D.C., Area
Transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate is a rare type of prostate cancer that originates in the prostate ducts or in the cells lining the urethra — the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis or vulva, where it is excreted during urination. Also known as urothelial carcinoma of the prostate, the cancer has a high propensity to spread to nearby organs, making it dangerous and difficult to treat. It accounts for less than 5% of all cases of prostate cancer.
Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) is one of the largest networks of oncology specialists in the United States. We treat patients at more than 20 locations near you in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area, managing the full range of cancer types and blood disorders. Our knowledgeable oncologists provide comprehensive care using the latest treatment technologies to help patients achieve the best outcomes possible.
What Is Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Prostate?
Prostatic transitional cell carcinoma, also called urothelial carcinoma of the prostate, is a type of prostate cancer that forms in transitional cells found in the urethra and bladder.
Cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell growth. Under normal circumstances, cells in the body divide and reproduce at a steady rate. However, certain genetic mutations can alter the genetic instructions that control the rate of reproduction. The mutation creates a mass of abnormal cells that grow rapidly. This mass soon begins to crowd out healthy tissue. Eventually, cancerous cells may even invade other tissues and spread throughout the body in a process called metastasis.
More than 90% of prostatic transitional cell carcinoma cases start in the urethra – which passes through the prostate – or bladder before invading the prostate. More rarely, this type of cancer forms in ducts in the prostate gland itself before spreading, often invading the bladder.
Stages of Prostatic Transitional Cell Carcinoma and Patient Outlook
Cancer is a progressive disease. This means that its symptoms get worse over time as the tumor grows and invades nearby tissue. Prostate cancer stages provide a way for doctors to describe the degree to which cancer has advanced. For prostatic transitional cell carcinoma, the staging system is based on how far the cancer has invaded the prostate. In summary:
- Stage 0: Carcinoma in situ (CIS); cancer cells are found only in the organ in which they originated.
- Stage I: Cancer is present in the subepithelial tissue, or the thin layer of tissue just under the prostate lining.
- Stage II: Cancer is present in the stroma, or the network of connective tissue and blood vessels supporting the prostate.
- Stage III: Cancer has spread beyond the prostate and bladder neck.
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread to adjacent organs, such as lymph nodes, blood vessels, or skin, or distant parts of the body.
Prostatic transitional cell carcinoma is an aggressive cancer with a high tendency to invade other tissues. The 5-year relative survival rate for patients with Stage 0 and Stage 1 cancer ranges from 50% to 100%. Once the cancer progresses to Stage II, however, the 5-year relative survival rate drops to between 20% and 60%.
Signs and Symptoms of Prostatic Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Many cancers do not cause symptoms in the early stages, and this is often true of prostatic transitional cell carcinoma. When symptoms are present, they may include:
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Inability to urinate when the urge arises
- Needing to strain during urination
- Loss of bladder control
- Burning or discomfort during urination
- Blood in urine or semen
- New-onset erectile dysfunction
- Rectal pain or pressure
If the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, additional symptoms may emerge. Signs of metastatic prostate cancer include bone pain, nerve dysfunction, fatigue, loss of appetite, and unexplained rapid weight loss, as cancer interferes with functions throughout the body.
Diagnostic Tests for Prostatic Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Because prostatic transitional cell carcinoma generally does not originate in the prostate itself, it cannot be diagnosed with the usual screening methods, such as measurement of blood levels of the protein prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Most diagnoses occur because the patient experiences symptoms and seeks medical evaluation. The diagnostic process includes:
Digital Rectal Exam
A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a physical examination of the prostate. It involves the physician inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for hard lumps, which may indicate a tumor.
Medical Imaging
If cancer is suspected, medical imaging such as an X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, or ultrasound may be ordered to identify the presence, location, and size of any tumors.
Prostate Biopsy
The diagnostic process culminates with a prostate biopsy, a procedure in which the physician takes small samples of tissue from the prostate to be examined under a microscope. This test confirms whether cancer is present.
Treatments for Prostatic Transitional Cell Carcinom
Treatment options for prostatic transitional cell carcinoma include:
- Surgery: Because prostatic transitional cell carcinoma usually is a secondary prostate tumor, surgical removal is not often an option. However, it may be considered for small tumors.
- Radiation therapy: By targeting tumors with high-energy beams, physicians can kill cancer cells. This method is used to shrink tumors or to eliminate cells left behind after surgery.
- Immunotherapy: Innovative new treatments harness the power of the patient’s immune system to identify and kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: A well-established approach, chemotherapy uses strong drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It can be used to shrink tumors or control metastatic cancer.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy drugs act specifically against mutations found in certain cancer cells or against proteins or other substances found within or on the surface of cells that support the growth of cancer cells.
RCCA also provides palliative care. This is a comprehensive care approach that focuses on keeping patients comfortable during and after their cancer treatment.
Find Prostate Cancer Treatment Near You in NJ, CT, MA, and the Washington, D.C., Area
Although transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate is an aggressive disease, it can be treated effectively. Regional Cancer Care Associates is dedicated to improving outcomes with this and other cancers. Our network of oncologists and hematologists serves patients at more than 20 locations in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area, with state-of-the-art cancer treatments. Contact us today to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prostate Cancer
What is transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate?
Prostatic transitional cell carcinoma, also called prostatic urothelial carcinoma, is a type of prostate cancer that originates in the urethra, bladder, or prostate ducts before invading the prostate.
What are the signs of transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate?
Prostatic transitional cell carcinoma may cause frequent urination, difficulty urinating, pain or burning sensations while urinating, and new-onset erectile dysfunction.
How is transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate detected?
Prostatic transitional cell carcinoma generally is diagnosed with a combination of digital rectal exams (DREs), medical imaging, and a prostate biopsy.
What treatments are available for transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate?
Options include surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. RCCA also provides patients with access to clinical trials to receive promising emerging treatments undergoing rigorous evaluation.
Beat Bladder Cancer with Us
As one of the largest networks of cancer doctors in the country, you can count on Regional Cancer Care Associates to provide advanced treatments in a compassionate setting. Plus, with more than 25 facilities located throughout New Jersey and Connecticut, our board-certified oncologists are never far away from the people who need them. To learn more about bladder cancer or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
Physicians SPECIALIZED IN Bladder Cancer
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