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

• Pure Urothelial Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Urinary Bladder
• Urinary Tract Squamous Cell Carcinoma

What is Pure Urothelial Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Urinary Tract? (Definition/Background Information)

• Pure Urothelial Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Urinary Tract is a rare histological variant of urinary tract cancer that mostly arises in the urinary bladder. It is mainly observed in certain parts of the world, where a parasitic infection, known as schistosomiasis, is commonly seen. Urinary tract cancer is a general term for malignancies that involve and invade the tissues of the upper and lower urinary tract
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a highly-malignant tumor of the epithelium. Squamous cells are thin, flattened cells found in tissues that cover the skin exterior, lining of the digestive tract, lungs, and other areas of the body, including the urinary bladder. These types of cells can become cancerous over time. The tumor is diagnosed under a microscope, on examination of the cancer cells by a pathologist
• Squamous cell carcinomas comprises approximately 5% of all bladder cancers in the developed nations, although it may constitute between 20-30% in regions with high schistosomiasis prevalence (such as sub-Saharan Africa and Egypt), which is a major risk factor for the malignancy. Pure Urothelial Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Urinary Tract is usually observed in adults; and in schistosomiasis endemic regions. A male predilection is generally noted
• Other established contributory factors for the development of this carcinoma include factors causing urinary stasis, such as urinary bladder stones, chronic urinary tract infections, neurogenic bladder, radiation exposure, long-term catheter use (in-dwelling catheters), and smoking (that increases the risk by about 5-6 times). However, the cause of Pure Urothelial Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Urinary Tract is generally unknown. Several chromosomal and genetic anomalies have been reported
• The signs and symptoms of Pure Urothelial Squamous Cell Carcinoma may include blood in urine (hematuria), burning sensation on urination, frequent urge to urinate, and abdominal/flank pain. A solitary tumor (commonly) or multiple tumors (uncommonly) may be noted. The presence of large tumor masses may cause obstruction of the urinary tract. Severe complications, such as tumor metastasis, to the lymph nodes and distant sites may take place
• The mainstay of treatment is surgical excision of the tumor via radical cystectomy, during the early stages. However, in many cases, a combination of treatment measures that include surgery, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and immunotherapy may be necessitated. According to some experts, the role of chemotherapy in treating Pure Urothelial Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Urinary Tract is not well understood
• The prognosis depends on several factors including on the stage of the tumor, grade of the tumor, and presence of metastasis to the lymph nodes. Individuals developing Pure Urothelial SCC of the Urinary Tract in the setting of schistosomiasis have better prognosis than those without schistosomiasis
• The prognosis is unfavorable in those with metastatic disease. In most individuals, these tumors are diagnosed at an advanced stage (nearly 25% present metastasis at first diagnosis). The adverse prognostic factors include stage of the tumor, response to treatment (including surgical feasibility), age of the individual, tumor size, and the presence of lymphovascular and perineural invasion