Urothelial (Transitional Cell) Carcinoma with Chordoid Features

Grading / Staging

Node involvement and peritoneal surface spread are common
Although non-invasive papillary urothelial neoplasms are technically in situ, they are staged as Ta and are not referred to as carcinoma in situ
If possible, the extent of lamina propria / submucosa invasion should be reported
Muscularis mucosae is variable and its involvement does not affect staging
- Generally loose strands of muscle
Muscularis propria involvement is significant and should be evaluated carefully
- Dense, well defiined bundles of muscle
- Depth of muscularis propria involvement cannot be assessed in transurethral specimens
- Presence or absence of propria should be reported even if not involved
Lymphatic invasion should be confirmed by immunohistochemistry
- Pseudovascular tissue retraction is common