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Updated: Jan 27, 2026
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An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Spontaneous Breast Cancer Metastasis
Published on: August 14, 2016
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Late urinary bladder metastasis from breast cancer
Aldo Franco De Rose1, Federica Balzarini, Guglielmo Mantica
1Department of Urology, Policlinico San Martino Hospital, University of Genoa. aldofrancoderose@gmail.com.
Summary
Breast cancer rarely spreads to the urinary bladder. However, persistent urinary symptoms in breast cancer survivors warrant bladder evaluation to rule out metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Urology
Background:
- Breast cancer (BrC) is a prevalent malignancy in women, with common metastatic sites including the lungs, liver, and bone.
- Metastasis to the urinary bladder from breast cancer is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A patient with a history of breast cancer presented with flank pain, dysuria, and urgency.
- CT imaging revealed left bladder wall thickening and bilateral hydronephrosis.
Findings:
- Histological examination of a transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB-T) specimen confirmed bladder metastasis from breast cancer.
- This diagnosis was made four years after the patient's initial oncologic surgery.
Implications:
- Routine urinary bladder screening is not recommended for all breast cancer survivors.
- Persistent lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with a history of breast cancer necessitate a thorough bladder evaluation to exclude metastatic disease.
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