Which histologic type is most commonly associated with bladder cancer?

Which histologic type is most commonly associated with bladder cancer?

• A. Transitional cell carcinoma
• B. Adenocarcinoma
• C. Squamous cell carcinoma
• D. Small cell carcinoma

Answer: (A)

Bladder cancer most commonly arises from the urothelium, the transitional epithelium lining the bladder, so the typical histology is transitional cell carcinoma (urothelial carcinoma). This type makes up the vast majority of bladder cancers—roughly the majority in many populations. Other histologies occur much less often: adenocarcinoma is less common and can be related to urachal remnants, squamous cell carcinoma is linked to chronic irritation or infection (such as schistosomiasis or long-standing cystitis), and small cell carcinoma is rare. Thus, transitional cell carcinoma best fits the common pattern of bladder malignancy.

Bladder cancer most commonly arises from the urothelium, the transitional epithelium lining the bladder, so the typical histology is transitional cell carcinoma (urothelial carcinoma). This type makes up the vast majority of bladder cancers—roughly the majority in many populations. Other histologies occur much less often: adenocarcinoma is less common and can be related to urachal remnants, squamous cell carcinoma is linked to chronic irritation or infection (such as schistosomiasis or long-standing cystitis), and small cell carcinoma is rare. Thus, transitional cell carcinoma best fits the common pattern of bladder malignancy.