What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder, Müllerian type
• Mesonephric Adenocarcinoma of the Urinary Bladder
• Urinary Bladder Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma

What is Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Urinary Tract? (Definition/Background Information)

• Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma (CCA) of the Urinary Tract is an extremely rare form of malignancy that is often noted in the urethra. Other sites of origin include the urinary bladder, and rarely, prostate gland or renal pelvis. Individuals in the 8-93 years’ age group may present the tumor, and a strong female predilection is seen (over 80% of the cases are seen in females)
• The exact cause of formation of Urinary Tract Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma is not well known and is under debate within the scientific community. It is believed that the tumor origin is associated with ectopic Müllerian embryogenesis, meaning it could arise from abnormal embryological tissue remnants during fetal growth and development stage. Hence, Clear Cell Carcinomas of the Urinary Tract are classified as tumors of Müllerian type
• But some researchers believe that the cancer may originate from a Müllerian duct cyst or urethral diverticulum in females. In males, it may originate from prostatic utricle or periprostatic tissue that is considered to be an embryological remnant. Based on the pathological features, studies have shown that these tumors may arise from glandular differentiation of urothelium, or in some cases, its suggested that they may arise from non-Müllerian origin (vesicular adenocarcinoma)
• The average size of the tumor is around 4 cm; large tumors may cause obstruction of the urinary tract. These solitary and polypoidal masses can ulcerate. The signs and symptoms of Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Urinary Tract may include blood in urine (hematuria), burning sensation on urination, frequent urge to urinate, and abdominal/flank pain. In many cases, the tumor is diagnosed at advanced stages, when lymph node and/or distant metastasis has taken place
• The mainstay of treatment is surgical excision (radical cystectomy) of the tumor. A combination of treatment measures may be considered by the healthcare provider, although the tumor does not respond well to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The prognosis of Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Urinary Tract is generally unfavorable as it is an aggressive tumor. The 5-year survival rate is about 40% for cancers in the urinary bladder or urethra; the prognosis is much worse when the prostate gland is involved