UCB

UCB
Specialty	Urology
Symptoms	Blood in urine, frequent urination, pain during urination
Complications	Metastasis, kidney damage
Causes	Smoking, chemical exposure, chronic bladder inflammation
Risk factors	Age, gender, family history
Diagnostic method	Cystoscopy, Urinalysis, Biopsy
Treatment	Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy

UCB stands for Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder, a type of cancer that originates in the urothelial cells lining the bladder. It is the most common form of bladder cancer, accounting for approximately 90% of all bladder cancer cases.

Pathophysiology

Urothelial carcinoma begins in the urothelial cells, which are specialized cells that line the inside of the bladder. These cells are also found in other parts of the urinary tract, including the renal pelvis, ureters, and urethra. The cancer typically starts as a superficial tumor on the bladder wall and can invade deeper layers, potentially spreading to other parts of the body.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors are associated with the development of UCB:

• Smoking: Tobacco use is the most significant risk factor, contributing to about half of all cases.
• Chemical Exposure: Occupational exposure to certain chemicals, such as those used in the dye, rubber, and leather industries, increases risk.
• Chronic Bladder Inflammation: Conditions such as chronic urinary tract infections or bladder stones can contribute to the development of UCB.
• Age and Gender: The risk increases with age, and men are more likely to develop UCB than women.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of UCB include:

• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• Frequent urination
• Painful urination
• Pelvic pain

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of UCB typically involves:

• Cystoscopy: A procedure where a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder to look for abnormalities.
• Urinalysis: Testing urine for blood and cancer cells.
• Biopsy: Taking a sample of bladder tissue to examine for cancer cells.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the stage and grade of the cancer:

• Surgery: Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is common for early-stage cancer. Radical cystectomy may be necessary for more advanced cases.
• Chemotherapy: Used to kill cancer cells, often in combination with surgery.
• Radiation therapy: May be used in conjunction with chemotherapy or for patients who cannot undergo surgery.

Prognosis

The prognosis for UCB varies based on the stage at diagnosis and the patient's overall health. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.

Also see

• Bladder cancer
• Urology
• Oncology
• Cystoscopy
• Chemotherapy

Classification