Superficial bladder cancer is a disease with variable biologic potential. The behavior of the disease varies, depending upon the tumor characteristics evident on initial evaluation. A retrospective study of 178 patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma and a follow up of at least 6 months is reported. Transurethral resection was done in all cases. Using Cox's proportional hazards model, the following results were obtained : 1. Grade was the most important factor followed by. in order of importance, the number of tumors, patient age, tumor size, shape of the tumor, and associated bladder mucosal changes. A previous history of a superficial bladder tumor was another independent prognostic factor. 2. Other variables such as sex the interval between transurethral resection and initial symptom or first recurred period were not prognostic factors. The high risk factors were grade 3, more than 2 tumors, more than 51 year old, tumor site more then 3cm, non-papillary shapes and associated bladder mucosal changes. More aggressive therapy should be considered for patients showing high risk factors.
Carcinoma, Transitional Cell ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms* ; Urinary Bladder*