Bladder Adenocarcinoma: A Persisting Diagnostic Dilemma

• Published in: Journal of clinical and diagnostic research Vol. 11; no. 3; pp. ER01 - ER04
• Main Authors: Vasudevan, Geetha, Bishnu, Arijit, Singh, Brij Mohan Kumar, Nayak, Deepak M, Jain, Pooja
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Delhi, India JCDR Research and Publications (P) Limited 01.03.2017
• Subjects: Pathology Section
• ISSN: 2249-782X; 0973-709X
• DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2017/24590.9536

Primary urinary Bladder Adenocarcinoma (PBA) is an uncommon neoplasm and can cause diagnostic difficulties due to histologic similarities with adenocarcinomas of adjacent structures like Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) and prostate, since involvement of the bladder by metastasis or direct spread can occur. Seven cases of bladder adenocarcinomas were diagnosed during a period of four years in a tertiary care hospital. Patient’s age ranged from 26-78 years with a male predilection. Three cases were signet ring type adenocarcinomas, two cases were subtyped as enteric variant, one as mucinous variant and one as adenocarcinoma Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) variant. One case showed urachal involvement. Common site of involvement was the base and posterior wall of the bladder. Three cases had prior history of GIT malignancy. No morphologic difference was identified to differentiate primary from secondary adenocarcinomas. Bladder adenocarcinoma is rare tumours. Primary and secondary adenocarcinomas cannot be distinguished from each other on morphologic grounds. Ancillary studies may have limited role in distinguishing between the two. Hence, clinical correlation has a major role in their evaluation.