Multicentric transitional cell carcinoma of the vagina and the ureter: a case report

Abstract

Primary transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the vagina represents an extremely rare neoplasm and is associated with multicentric TCC of the urinary tract in all described cases. A case of multicentric TCC of the vagina and the left ureter in a 73-year-old woman is reported. Immunohistochemical analysis of cytokeratin expression was performed. Immunohistochemistry proved to play an important role in the differential diagnosis of vaginal TCC, supported the morphological diagnosis of TCC, and largely excluded the diagnosis of vaginal papillary carcinoma with transitional features as a morphological variant of squamous cell carcinoma. Subsequent urological examination revealed multicentric TCC of the left ureter. During the follow up, the metastases of the vaginal TCC into the regional inguinal lymph nodes were diagnosed, suggesting that indolent clinical course is not a rule in this type of tumor.