Etymed
transitional cell carcinoma
Definition
A malignant tumor arising from transitional epithelial cells, typically found in the urinary bladder, ureters, and renal pelvis
Clinical context
A 65-year-old male presents with painless hematuria and urinary frequency for the past month. Cystoscopy reveals a pedunculated mass in the bladder dome, and biopsy confirms malignant cells with characteristic transitional morphology. The tumor is invading the muscularis propria but not the adventitia.
Mnemonic
TUMORS of the transitional epithelium = TUBES (ureters) and BLADDER (transitional cell carcinoma)
These morphemes also unlock…
- trans- — across; through
- -ition — process; going
- -al — pertaining to
- cell — small room; basic unit
- carcin/o — cancer; crab
- -oma — tumor; mass