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

• Diffuse Sarcomatoid Urothelial Carcinoma
• Plasmacytoid Variant of Urothelial Carcinoma
• Signet Ring Urothelial Carcinoma

What is Plasmacytoid Urothelial Carcinoma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Plasmacytoid Urothelial Carcinoma (PUC) is a recently classified, rare, and aggressive subtype of invasive urothelial carcinoma (UCC), a form of malignancy of the urothelium (urothelial cells that line the urothelial tract). PUC is also known as Signet Ring Urothelial Carcinoma and Diffuse Sarcomatoid Urothelial Carcinoma
• Plasmacytoid Urothelial Carcinoma is diagnosed under a microscope, on examination of the cancer cells by a pathologist. The classification of the tumor is important, as it may dictate the type of treatments to be provided and overall outcomes. According to medical literature, it is difficult and challenging to diagnose PUC, and is often misdiagnosed (as plasmacytoma or B-cell lymphoma); PUC is generally a diagnosis of exclusion
• The exact cause of Plasmacytoid Urothelial Carcinoma is presently unknown; it is characterized by mutations involving the CDH1 gene. The condition is noted in older adults. Many contributory factors, such as smoking (a significant risk factor), occupational exposure to chemicals, and prior radiation therapy, are noted
• The signs and symptoms of Plasmacytoid Urothelial Carcinoma usually include blood in urine (hematuria), burning sensation on urination, frequent urination, and lower abdominal pain. The tumor is high-grade and is mostly diagnosed in the advanced stages, when metastasis to the lymph nodes and other organs has occurred
• Due to its rarity and lack of sufficient information on the tumor, no well-defined management measures are available. A treatment of the Plasmacytoid Variant of Urothelial Carcinoma may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy based on the healthcare provider’s assessment. The prognosis for individuals with this malignancy is usually dismal