Mode of Presentation of Invasive Bladder Cancer: Reassessment of the Problem

Abstract

The literature on bladder cancer gives the impression that most patients with invasive tumors have a history of noninvasive bladder tumors and, therefore, the methods of predicting precurrence and progression could have a significant impact on survival in this disease. The medical histories of 166 patients with invasive bladder cancer were analyzed; only 16% had prior noninvasive bladder tumors. The depth of invasion and grade of tumor appeared to be worse in patients without prior tumors. Death from bladder cancer occurs primarily among patients who have never had a recognized early bladder tumor, a fact that must be considered when evaluating strategies for improving survival.