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

• Giant Cell Urothelial Carcinoma of Bladder
• Large-Cell Undifferentiated Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder
• Pleomorphic Giant Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder

What is Giant Cell Urothelial Carcinoma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Giant Cell Urothelial Carcinoma is a highly-infrequent and aggressive subtype of invasive urothelial carcinoma (UCC), a form of malignancy of the urothelium (urothelial cells that line the urothelial tract). The giant cell variant was earlier known as pleomorphic giant cell carcinoma and large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma
• Giant Cell Urothelial Carcinoma is diagnosed under the microscope, on examination of the cancer cells by a pathologist; the tumor is marked by the presence of bizarre and highly pleomorphic giant cells. A diagnosis of the tumor is difficult, and it can be misdiagnosed. It is important to exclude sarcomatoid carcinoma, osteoclast-rich undifferentiated carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma with trophoblastic differentiation, and other metastatic tumors. The histological classification of the tumor is important, as it may dictate the type of treatments to be provided and the overall outcomes
• The exact cause of Giant Cell Urothelial Carcinoma is presently unknown. The tumor is observed in adults (mean age 70 years). Many contributory factors, such as smoking (a significant risk factor), occupational exposure to chemicals, and prior radiation therapy, are noted. The giant cell variant is reported to coexist with conventional urothelial carcinoma and carcinoma in situ in many cases
• The signs and symptoms of Giant Cell Urothelial Carcinoma may include blood in urine (hematuria), burning sensation on urination, and abdominal pain. The malignancy is frequently diagnosed during its advanced stages when it presents metastasis to the lymph nodes and nearby organs
• The treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy based on the healthcare provider’s assessment. The prognosis of Giant Cell Urothelial Carcinoma depends on several factors including on the stage of the cancer, but it is mostly poor due to its highly-aggressive nature. Most individuals succumb to the condition within 2-3 years of diagnosis