Transitional Cell Carcinoma Treatment in Singapore
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What is Transitional Cell Carcinoma?
Urothelial carcinoma (transitional carcinoma) begins in the urothelium, the tissue lining some areas of the urinary system. About 90% of bladder cancer cases and 7% of kidney cancer cases, including cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter, are caused by urothelial carcinoma. The symptoms of urothelial carcinoma-induced bladder and kidney cancers are comparable. Their prognoses are similar; these malignancies are easily treated when detected early but frequently return.
How does urothelial carcinoma affect my body?
Urothelial carcinoma affects the bladder and kidneys in various ways. Bladder abnormal urothelial cells can move from the lining to deeper structures, potentially travelling to distant sites such as the liver, lungs, bones, fatty tissues, and lymph nodes. Low-grade bladder cancer is not likely to metastasise, whereas high-grade disease can be lethal and might recur. Urothelial carcinoma in the kidney may progress to develop tumours in the renal pelvis or ureter, which may then extend to other organs. Both diseases, if not treated, may lead to severe implications.
What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?
Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), also known as urothelial carcinoma, needs to be treated early to enhance prognoses and prevent the cancer from spreading. If diagnosed early, TCC is often successfully treated with less invasive methods, such as localised or transurethral resection. Postponing therapy may make treatment more difficult and reduce survival by giving the cancer time to move to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or lymph nodes, or grow deeper into the bladder. Early treatment significantly enhances the outlook for individuals with TCC, controls symptoms, and prevents recurrence.
What are the Common Symptoms of Transitional Cell Carcinoma?
Symptoms of urothelial cancer may not be present at once. Usually, the first noticeable sign is blood in the urine. You should consult a healthcare provider if you notice any symptoms, including blood in the urine.
- Chronic pain in the back.
- Fatigue.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Dysuria is painful urination.
- A tumour or lump near your kidneys.
- Low-grade fever.
Causes and Risk Factors of Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Causes
The exact aetiology of urothelial carcinoma in the kidneys and bladder is not known to medical scientists. They have found, however, a few common risk factors:
- Cigarette smoke: Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of urothelial carcinoma-related urinary system malignancies.
- Exposuretocertainchemicals: Studies show that individuals who work with chemicals used in paint, leather, rubber, dyes, certain fabrics, and hair care products are at increased risk for urinary system malignancies linked to urothelial carcinoma.
Risk Factors
Some risks of transitional cell carcinoma are mentioned below:
- Smoking
- Exposure to chemicals
- Family history
- Genetic factors
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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Transitional Cell Carcinoma in Singapore
Recent advancements in the management of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), particularly urothelial carcinoma, have significantly improved patient outcomes in Singapore. For those dealing with advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, the combination of pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, and enfortumab vedotin, an antibody-drug pairing that targets Nectin-4, has shown greater effectiveness compared to traditional treatments. This combination therapy has resulted in improved overall survival and progression-free survival rates, regardless of biomarker expression.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma Prevention Tips
Although there is no guaranteed method to prevent Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC), the most important things you can do to lower your risk are to stop smoking, limit your exposure to certain chemicals at work, drink lots of water, and eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
Treatment options for Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Surgery is the primary treatment for localised TCC. This includes partial nephrectomy for kidney tumours and transurethral resection for bladder tumours. In certain situations, a radical cystectomy (removal of the bladder) or nephrectomy (removal of the kidney) may be necessary.
Chemotherapy: isfrequently used to eradicate any cancer cells that remain after surgery or for advanced TCC. Chemotherapy is administered intravenously or directly into the bladder for superficial bladder tumours.
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Immunotherapy: Pembrolizumab and other immune checkpoint inhibitors are used more frequently, particularly for advanced or metastatic TCC, since they aid the immune system in recognising and combating cancer cells.
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Radiation therapy is used to decrease tumours before surgery, particularly for bladder TCC, or to treat tumours in locations that are challenging for surgery to reach.
Targeted Therapy: Medications that attack cancer cells specifically based on genetic mutations or tumour-specific proteins are applied in targeted therapy for urothelial carcinoma. The medications can block the signals through which cancer cells grow and disseminate.
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- Urinalysis: A test to determine the colour of your urine and its components, including germs, blood, protein, and sugar.
- Urine cytology: Medical professionals use a microscope to look for abnormal cells in your urine. Cancer cells may leak into your urine if you have cancer in your kidneys, bladder, or ureter.
- An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is a sequence of X-rays of the kidneys, ureter, and bladder to screen for malignancy. Medical professionals inject a contrast dye into one of the veins. To check for obstructions, physicians take X-rays as the dye passes through the kidneys, ureter, and bladder.
- Ureteroscopy: To view the ureter and renal pelvis and acquire tissue samples, healthcare professionals use a narrow, tube-like device with a light and viewing lens.
- Computed tomography (CT) scans provide detailed images of your internal organs by connecting a computer to an X-ray machine. Computerised tomography or computerised axial tomography are other names for this process.
- Ultrasound: A process that creates echoes by reflecting high-energy sound waves off of inside organs or tissues. A sonogram is an image of bodily tissues produced by the echoes. Medical professionals may perform an abdominal ultrasound to help in the diagnosis of renal pelvic and ureter cancer.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) involves creating finely detailed images of body parts, such as the pelvis, using a magnet, radio waves, and a computer. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) is another name for this process.
MediRehab (a chain of rehabilitation centres—part of MediGence) provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to support patients through Teleconsulations and online therapy sessions.
- Physical therapy enhances strength, endurance, and mobility after chemotherapy or surgery.
- Occupational therapy: Helping the patient return to usual work and activities, especially after invasive treatment such as surgery or chemotherapy.
- Depending on the situation, your healthcare professional may prescribe medicine to help control your symptoms and support the treatment plan.
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Hospitals for Transitional Cell Carcinoma in Singapore
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
Novena, Singapore
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital located in Novena, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Capacity of 333 beds
- Intensive Care Unit beds
- Endoscopy beds
- Day ward with 20 beds
- 13 Operating Theatres, which includes 1 Neurological operating room, 2 Cardiac operating rooms, 4 Orthopaedic operating rooms, etc.
- High Dependency Unit (HDU)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- 24/7 Accident & Emergency Department
- Maternity ward
- 1 major operating unit with 13 operating rooms inclusive of 1 hybrid theatre
- In-house Pharmacy
- Rooms are categorized as Single Signature Rooms, Junior Suite and Regal Suite
- All patient rooms are equipped with electric safe, LCD, sofa cum bed, wardrobe, radio channels, and much more
Parkway East Hospital
Singapore, Singapore
Parkway East Hospital located in Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Total capacity for 143 beds
- Hospital rooms are available- Single room, 2-bedded room (8), 4-bedded room (2), Deluxe room, and Orchid/Hibiscus Suite
- All rooms are equipped with all ensuite facilities like Free wifi, mini fridge, sofa couch, telephone, in-room safe, TV, etc.
- Maternity wards- Accredited as a baby-friendly hospital under the World Health Organisations Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)
- 1 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with 14 cots
- Intensive Care Unit
- 1 Operation Theatre with 5 Operating rooms
- 1 Nursery with 30 cots
- 1 Parentcraft room
- 24-hour walk-in-clinic (for emergency)
- 24-hour Pharmacy
Mount Elizabeth Hospital
Singapore, Singapore
Mount Elizabeth Hospital located in Singapore, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- 345 bedded Hospital
- Maternity wards
- The Mount Elizabeth Patient Assistance Centre (MPAC)
- 1 major operating unit with 12 operating rooms and 1 operating theatre dedicated to in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Intensive Care Unit
- High Dependency Unit (HDU)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Accident & Emergency Department
- Rooms are categorized as Single rooms, 2-bedded rooms, 4-bedded rooms, Executive deluxe suite, Daffodil/Magnolia suite, VIP Room, and Royal Suite
- All patient rooms are equipped with electric safe, LCD, sofa cum bed, wardrobe, radio channels, and much more
- Parking lot
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Why Choose Singapore for Transitional Cell Carcinoma Treatment?
Singapore is an excellent place for transitional cell carcinoma treatment because of its top-notch medical facilities, qualified oncologists, and best-in-class treatment facilities at reasonable prices. The nation has the latest technology-equipped state-of-the-art hospitals to facilitate effective diagnosis and treatment. Singapore’s hospitals are also internationally accredited, offering high-quality care.
Frequently Asked Questions
The diagnosis of Transitional Cell Carcinoma, or TCC, is more prevalent among older individuals, particularly in Singapore, who are over the age of 55. It is more prevalent among men compared to women. With age, the risk increases due to factors such as prolonged exposure to carcinogens (such as nicotine and industrial chemicals) and the additive effects of long-standing renal or bladder diseases.
Since smoking is one of the substantial risk factors for bladder, kidney, and ureter cancers, it plays a significant role in developing Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) in Singapore. Aromatic amines and various carcinogens present in tobacco smoke are absorbed into the bloodstream, filtered through the kidneys, and finally excreted in urine. These compounds can damage healthy urinary tract cells, leading to mutations and the development of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). In Singapore, smoking is believed to increase an individual's risk of developing TCC by as much as three times for both genders. It is one of the country's leading preventable causes of TCC.
In Singapore, transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), especially of the bladder and ureters, can recur after treatment. TCC is a high-recurrence tumour, especially in superficial or early-stage cases, even after successful initial treatment, e.g., surgery or chemotherapy.
Regular follow-up with imaging, urine examination, and cystoscopy is mandatory to detect any recurrence at an early stage. Recurrence may be more aggressive and more challenging to manage in advanced cases. To manage the risk of recurrence, Singapore patients are advised to undergo therapy and monitoring on a routine basis.
In Singapore, radiation therapy is used to cure Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) in cases where the tumour is incurable or advanced. It is also commonly used to cure bladder cancer, either alone or as a means to destroy cancer cells that remain even after surgery.
Radiation therapy can be combined with chemotherapy for better results. However, due to anatomical challenges, its use is limited to TCC, which aims to decrease symptoms, reduce tumours, and improve the overall quality of life.
Lifestyle and dietary changes can improve overall health and treatment outcomes for TCC patients in Singapore. Some recommendations include
- Drinking plenty of water to help remove toxins and reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Consuming a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to enhance overall health and immunity.
- Reducing the risk of cancer by eating less processed food and red meat.
- Decreasing alcohol intake and smoking can enhance the recovery process and reduce the risk of cancer development.
- Maintaining an active lifestyle to cope with stress, build strength, and reduce fatigue.
- Enhancing mental well-being during treatment through taking part in stress-relieving activities such as yoga or meditation.
Yes, you can get a second opinion on Transitional Cell Carcinoma treatment in Singapore through MediGence. With MediGence, you can connect with highly experienced professionals from top hospitals in Singapore who can provide additional information regarding your diagnosis and treatment options. The platform provides easy access to professional help, enabling you to make informed healthcare choices and receive the best care possible.
To find a certified cancer specialist, search MediGence’s website, which offers a list of top-class and internationally trained oncologists from Singapore's best hospitals. Through MediGence, you can search for specialists' profiles, review their credentials, experience, and ratings, and book online consultations. To receive the best care for your condition, the website also helps you find the best hospitals and provides personalised assistance tailored to your health needs.