Urothelial bladder carcinoma in young patients is characterized by a relatively good prognosis

Abstract

Introduction and aim. Urothelial bladder carcinoma (UBC) is a very rare condition in patients aged below 50 years. The aim of the study was to answer the question whether the characteristics of cancer in this group of patients differ from general UBC features.

Material and methods. Altogether 2160 patients treated with primary transurethral resection due to a bladder tumor were included in the study. The mean age of the cohort was 69.1 years (range 11–100). Patients were divided into three subgroups depending on age: age <41 years (group 1), age 41–50 years (group 2), age >50 years (group 3). Sex ratio, tumor grade, and stage of disease were recorded.

Results. Women constituted 18.5%, 19.2%, and 25.8% of the patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P < 0.05). WHO grade 3 tumors were diagnosed in 0%, 8.5%, and 17.2%, respectively (P < 0.05). Non-invasive papillary carcinoma was found in 100.0%, 76.7%, and 62.7%, respectively (P < 0.05). The incidence of muscle-invasive bladder cancer was 0%, 11.0%, and 15.6%, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusions. Pathological characteristics of UBC are dependent on the patients’ age. Being a very rare condition, UBC in young patients is characterized by a relatively good prognosis.

Key words::

• Age factors
• age of onset
• bladder cancer
• histopathology
• prognosis

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.