Ultrasonographic Findings Related to Prognosis in Canine Transitional Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

In human bladder cancer patients, ultrasonography is extensively used not only to identify tumor masses but also to evaluate tumor size, shape, echogenicity, location, and degree of tumor invasion into the bladder wall. The information revealed by ultrasonography delineates the tumor's biological features and facilitates prediction of prognosis. However, in veterinary medicine the feasibility of using ultrasonography for these purposes has not been fully investigated. In this retrospective study, we reviewed cases of dogs with histologically confirmed bladder mass lesions, including transitional cell carcinoma (n = 22) and polypoid cystitis (n = 5), to determine whether ultrasonography could reliably predict bladder wall involvement. By following patients with transitional cell carcinoma until death, we also determined whether ultrasonographic tumor size, shape, echogenicity, and mass location were related to prognosis. Wall involvement as revealed by ultrasound was significantly (P = 0.00005) associated with histological muscular layer involvement with a sensitivity of 93% (95% Confidence interval, 79-98%) and specificity of 92% (95% Confidence interval, 76-98%). Ultrasonographic wall involvement (P = 0.03, vs. noninvolvement), heterogeneous mass (P = 0.02, vs. homogeneous mass), and trigone location (P = 0.01, vs. other locations) characteristics were significantly associated with shorter survival times in transitional cell carcinoma cases. Findings indicated that ultrasonographic characteristics such as wall involvement, heterogeneous mass, and trigone location could be reliable prognostic indicators in canine transitional cell carcinoma.

Quantitative evaluation of canine urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography

“…A study reported ultrasonographic findings such as wall involvement, heterogeneous mass and trigone location could be reliable prognostic indicators in canine TCC [ 18 ].…”

Ultrasound characteristics of feline urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma are similar to canine urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma

“…The primary difference between these species was the location of the mass. Location of the mass has been previously associated with shorter survival times in dogs; a trigonal mass had shorter survival times . The trigonal masses have an increased probability of urinary obstruction by physically occluding the tapered transition from the bladder neck to the urethra.…”

Canine urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma tumor volume is dependent on imaging modality and measurement technique

“…These therapies are aimed at reducing the tumor volume to palliate clinical signs, thus improving quality of life. Surgical intervention is often difficult because the disease is frequently in a trigonal location and may have a multifocal distribution . Mapping of the bladder to characterize the location of the transitional cell carcinoma tumor is poignant in the clinical evaluation and staging for disease to determine if surgery is an option .…”