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

• Cystitis Cystica Et Glandularis
• Cystitis Glandularis, Conventional type
• Cystitis Glandularis, Intestinal type

What is Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis is a very common benign condition that often appears as a bladder tumor during a cystoscopic surgical procedure. Since, during a cystoscopic exam by a surgeon, the condition presents a tumor-like appearance, it is often biopsied
• A cystoscopy is the examination of urinary bladder using special instruments via the urethra. The term cystitis indicates an inflammation of the urinary bladder due to infectious or non-infectious factors
• In Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis, the bladder inflammation occurs from a variety of factors causing repeated irritation of the bladder walls. Such factors include chronic bladder infections, presence of urinary bladder stones, and certain surgical procedures to the bladder region
• Generally, no significant signs and symptoms of Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis are noted. The condition may appear at more than one location within the urinary bladder. Occasionally, it may present a higher risk for chronic urinary tract infections
• Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis generally resolves on treating the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, the lesions may be surgically removed. The prognosis of the condition is excellent, since it is only a benign reactive process

Who gets Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis may affect individuals of any age group
• Both male and females are affected, and no gender preference is noted
• The condition is observed worldwide; all racial and ethnic groups are affected

What are the Risk Factors for Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis? (Predisposing Factors)

Any disease, disorder, or medical procedure causing chronic irritation of the urinary bladder may lead to the development of Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis. Following are some of the risk factors associated with the condition:

• Repeated bladder infections
• Urinary bladder outlet obstructions
• Presence of bladder stones
• Urinary bladder catheterisation procedures
• Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis can also be associated with pelvic lipomatosis (causing an overgrowth of fat cells in the pelvis) and bladder exstrophy (a congenital abnormality)

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis? (Etiology)

Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis is caused by the chronic irritation or inflammation of the urinary bladder surface due to several factors.

• It is considered to be reactive changes occurring in the bladder tissue due to persistent inflammation or irritation
• The glands become dilated (termed cystitis cystica) and undergoes glandular metaplasia (termed cystitis glandularis)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis?

In many cases, Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis does not present any significant signs and symptoms. In some cases, the following may be noted:

• The condition can appear as a polypoid or papillary mass on cystoscopy
• Single or multiple lesions may be observed within the urinary bladder

Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis may develop in the trigone or the neck region of the urinary bladder (most commonly). It may also form in the ureters due to chronic ureteritis, and in the renal pelvis due to chronic pyelitis.

How is Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis Diagnosed?

Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis is often an incidental cystoscopic finding, when the individual is being examined for other medical conditions. The following tests and exams may be performed:

• Complete evaluation of medical history along with thorough physical exam
• Urinalysis or urine tests
• Urine culture, to check for an infection
• Cystoscopy: Special instruments are used to visually examine and study the insides of the urinary bladder
• Tissue biopsy: A tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination, who examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

The healthcare provider may undertake a differential diagnosis to eliminate other conditions or tumor types, before arriving at a definitive diagnosis. This may include the following:

• Adenocarcinoma in situ of the urinary bladder
• Invasive urothelial carcinoma, microcystic type
• Invasive urothelial carcinoma, nested type
• Inverted urothelial papilloma
• Tubular adenoma of the urinary bladder
• Urothelial carcinoma in situ involving von Brunn nests
• Urothelial carcinoma, nested variant
• Von Brunn nest hyperplasia

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis?

• No major complications from Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis are generally observed
• Emotional stress due to concerns of bladder tumor
• Obstruction of the ureters (tubes that transport urine from kidney to the bladder)
• Rarely, the condition can result in recurrent urinary tract infections

How is Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis Treated?

The treatment of Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis may involve the following measures:

• Treating or removing underlying cause of urinary bladder irritation and inflammation is important
• Antibiotic therapy may be necessary, if bacterial infections develop
• Complete surgical removal of the lesions through transurethral procedures, based on the healthcare provider’s evaluation

How can Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis be Prevented?

The preventive measures for Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis are mostly aimed at controlling or avoiding the factors that cause bladder irritation and inflammation. These may include:

• Taking early appropriate treatment for conditions such as bladder infections or bladder stones
• Ensuring adequate care while performing medical procedures involving the urinary bladder

What is the Prognosis of Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis is typically excellent, since it is a reactive process with no malignancy potential
• Usually, the condition gets better on its own, when the cause of chronic irritation or inflammation is removed

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Cystitis Cystica and Cystitis Glandularis:

Please visit our Kidney & Bladder Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/kidney-health/