Urothelial carcinoma of the dog
Urothelial carcinoma in dogs
About Urothelial Carcinoma
Urothelial carcinoma, formerly known as transitional cell carcinoma, is an aggressive tumor accounting for around 2% of canine neoplasia. It is the most common tumor of the urinary tract in dogs, mainly affecting the trigone of the bladder. This cancer can also invade adjacent organs such as the vagina, prostate and pelvic canal.
Grades of tumour
Urothelial carcinoma in dogs is classified according to a grading system based on the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. The TNM system is used to determine :
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T - Primary Tumor |
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Tis |
Carcinoma in situ |
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T0 |
No evidence of primary tumor |
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T1 |
Superficial papillary tumour |
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T2 |
Tumour with thickening and invasion of the bladder wall |
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T3 |
Tumour invading neighbouring organs (prostate, uterus, vagina, pelvic canal) |
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N - Regional lymph nodes (internal and external iliac) |
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N0 |
No involvement of regional lymph nodes |
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N1 |
Regional lymph nodes involved |
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N2 |
Regional and distant lymph nodes involved |
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M - Distant metastasis |
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M0 |
No metastasis |
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M1 |
Distant metastasis |
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Diagnosis
Early diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma can be difficult due to the similarity of symptoms to other urinary tract conditions, such as infections. Clinical signs include stranguria (difficulty in urinating), hematuria (blood in the urine) and pollakiuria (frequent urination).
For an accurate diagnosis, several steps are followed: complete clinical examination, urinalysis, medical imaging, biopsy and histological analysis.
Treatment options
Treatment of urothelial carcinoma in dogs may include: surgery (often complex and sometimes impossible due to tumor location), chemotherapy, radiotherapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Call for Participation in a Clinical Study
We are currently recruiting dogs with urothelial carcinoma to participate in a clinical study aimed at understanding the relationship between inflammatory cytokines and the immune response in affected dogs in order to improve its diagnosis, understanding, prognosis estimation and treatment. Dogs must have confirmed or strongly suspected urothelial carcinoma and not have received any previous specific treatment.
Protocol description
The following examinations are carried out during the diagnostic visit:
- Clinical examination
- Complete blood count
- Urinalysis
- Chest X-ray
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Biopsies of bladder or urethral lesion
- CT scan
In the event of a confirmed diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma, the data will be used for scientific and educational purposes.
Implications for the owner
Give permission for the use of clinical and biological data anonymously to the Clinique Vétérinaire Universitaire in the informed consent form.
Compensation
For any dog presenting for consultation with a bladder mass, with no other comorbidity, and with no current treatment:
- Consultation
- Blood test
- Urinalysis
- Imaging work-up
How to participate
If you are interested in this study or have any questions about it, please contact Dr Rafael Bernardes at rbernardes@uliege.be or Pr A. Hamaide at Annick.Hamaide@uliege.be
