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

• Carcinoma in Bladder Diverticulum
• Diverticular Carcinoma of Bladder
• Urinary Bladder Diverticular Carcinoma

What is Diverticular Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder? (Definition/Background Information)

• Diverticular carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor that arises from the diverticulum of the urinary tract. The diverticulum is an outpouching that occurs abnormally. A common location of these tumors include the diverticulum arising from lateral urinary bladder walls (nearer to the ureter). Diverticular Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder accounts for less than 1% of the tumors arising from the urinary bladder
• The tumor occurs more commonly in men than women, and most individuals are in the 50-60 years’ age group. There are several different histological subtypes of Diverticular Carcinomas of the Urinary Bladder when the tumor specimens are examined under the microscope by a pathologist. These subtypes include squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, although the most common histologic subtype is urothelial carcinoma (transitional cell carcinoma)
• The risk factors for Diverticular Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder is similar to the risk factors described for other urinary bladder malignancies. The presence of a diverticulum in the urinary bladder is a significant risk factor. Studies have shown that when the tumor occurs in the urinary bladder, it is most often detected in a diverticulum
• The cause of formation of Diverticular Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder is unknown. Researchers believe that it may develop due to increased urinary stasis within the diverticula resulting from the effects of carcinogens, potentially leading to increased inflammation, frequent urinary tract infection, formation of stones within the diverticula that causes increased irritation, subsequently leading to metaplastic and dysplastic changes
• The signs and symptoms of Diverticular Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder varies from one individual to another. It is similar to other carcinoma types arising in the urinary tract such as blood in urine (hematuria), burning sensation on urination, frequent urination urge, and abdominal pain. The tumors can be single (vast majority of cases) or multiple. The tumor sizes may vary considerably; in some cases, tumors as large as 14 kg have been described
• The diagnosis of Diverticular Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder may involve cystoscopic examination, urine cytology and urine culture, ultrasound of bladder, and CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis. The cytological examination of urine specimen will demonstrate the presence of malignant cells. However, tumor biopsy with subsequent examination by a pathologist is necessary for a definitive diagnosis of the condition
• The staging system used for Diverticular Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder is similar to the one used for urinary bladder cancers. The treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, based on the healthcare provider’s assessment. The prognosis depends on several factors including on the stage of the tumor; the outcomes are generally similar to other bladder cancer types