| Abstract: | Environmental exposure to carcinogens trigger molecular events that lay the background for the subsequent development of urothelial carcinoma from the basal and intermediate layers of urothelial lining. Clinical classes of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and muscle invasive bladder cancer are broadly divided into basal and luminal subtypes each with their molecular, morphologic and outcome characteristics. Morphology of cancer represents the sum total of genetic and epigenetic changes. The current review highlights the molecular – morphologic correlates identifiable in our daily clinical practice, the knowledge of which will help develop a deeper understanding of 1) early evolving lesions, 2) grade heterogeneity, 3) importance of recognizing subtypes of urothelial carcinoma and 4) basis of treatment resistance of urothelial carcinoma. |
