Transitional cell carcinoma presenting as a solitary brain lesion: a case report and review of the world literature.

Transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary tract will account for roughly 50,000 new cases of cancer in the US this year. Metastatic involvement to the brain is uncommon with this malignancy. When it does occur, it is usually in the setting of widespread metastatic disease. A rare case of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder presenting as a solitary brain lesion is reported. In addition, we reviewed the world literature regarding transitional cell carcinoma metastatic to the central nervous system. Our review suggests that metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the central nervous system has become increasingly common as more effective chemotherapeutic regimens have been developed to control the primary disease. The recent literature also suggests that, much like other metastatic disease to the brain, outcome and survival in patients without widespread disease is improved by aggressive surgical and oncological management.