Impact of tumour size on recurrence and progression in Ta/T1 carcinoma of the urinary bladder

Abstract

Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of tumour size on recurrence and progression in a population-based series of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancers. Material and methods. Clinical and pathological characteristics of patients with primary Ta/T1 bladder cancer were registered. The patients' tumours were categorized by size into five size groups (1–10, 11–20, 21–30, 31–40 and >40 mm) or three size groups (1–15, 16–30 and >30 mm). Results. The analysis included 768 evaluable patients with a mean follow-up of 60 months. Recurrence was observed in 478 patients (62%) and progression in 71 (9%). Tumour size was associated with recurrence for tumours sized 21–30, 31–40 and >40 mm (p = 0.03, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) in the five size group and for tumours sized 16–30 and >30 mm (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001) in the three size group. Other factors affecting recurrence were T1 tumour category, multiplicity and surgery performed by residents (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.002, respectively). Considering progression, there was no significant association with tumour size, and T1 category and local recurrence were the only significant risk factors (both p < 0.001). Conclusion. Tumour size ≤15 mm is associated with a lower risk of recurrence but not progression. Dividing tumour size into three size groups gives additional information compared with two size groups with cut-off at 30 mm.

Key Words::

• progression
• recurrence
• tumour size
• urinary bladder cancer

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