Transitional Cell Carcinoma

If your cat has been diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), knowing more about the disease can help you provide them with a better quality of life. TCC is rare, and mostly affects older cats.

What is transitional cell carcinoma (TCC)?

TCC is an invasive, malignant cancer of the cells lining the urinary system. TCC tumors penetrate the bladder wall muscle layers, and may eventually obstruct urine flow, which is a medical emergency. Occasionally, the cancer also spreads to other body organs (i.e., metastasis). TCC signs in cats can mimic feline lower urinary tract disease.

What are common TCC signs in cats?

Early signs include:

• Unkempt hair coat
• Overgrooming genitals or belly
• Urinating outside the box
• Frequent urination of small amounts
• Straining to urinate

Intermediate to advanced signs include:

• Vocalizing
• Blood in urine
• Irritability and abdominal pain
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Urinary obstruction

How is TCC managed in cats?

Approximately 25% of cats with TCC have a concurrent urinary tract infection, which should be addressed. The ideal TCC treatment in cats is surgery to remove the affected area of the bladder, followed up with medical management. If surgery is not possible, chemotherapy and/or anti-inflammatory medications have been shown to inhibit tumor growth. Cats with TCC need regular veterinary visits and diagnostic monitoring. Discussing a personalized management plan with your veterinarian, and a veterinary oncologist, is important for the best outcome for your cat.

What is the prognosis for cats with TCC?

The prognosis for TCC depends on whether your cat has signs of metastasis, and their treatment  response. Cats with untreated TCC can survive for up to three months, but medical management without surgery can increase survival to up to six months. Cats treated with surgery as part of their treatment protocol can live one to two years before tumor recurrence, or the spread of cancer to other organs.

Management tips for cats with TCC  

At-home needs include:

• Easy access to food, water, and litter box, and a comfortable location
• Consistency with medications, which can be compounded for ease of administration 
• Monitoring urination, appetite, vomiting, weight, and energy level

For end-of-life care:

• Try to keep your cat safe and comfortable
• Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration
• Monitor for pain or discomfort
• Evaluate your cat’s quality of life with our scoring tool
• Track progression of their health with our calendar

In a crisis situation:

• Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat stops eating, vomits, cannot urinate, collapses, or vocalizes in pain.

Before your cat‘s condition becomes unmanageable, or they begin losing their quality of life, beginning end-of-life care discussions is vital. Learn more about pet hospice, in-home euthanasia, and our teleadvice service, or contact a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area, so you can feel fully prepared for this progressive disease.