ABC of Urology: UROLOGICAL MALIGNANCY—II: UROTHELIAL TUMOURS
BMJ 1996; 312 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.312.7038.1090 (Published 27 April 1996) Cite this as: BMJ 1996;312:1090- Chris Dawson,
- Hugh Whitfield
Epidemiology of urothelial tumours
Tumours of the urinary tract vary in type. Less than 1% of cases of bladder cancer in Britain are due to squamous cell carcinoma (although 75% of cases in Egypt are), and less than 2% of primary bladder cancers are adenocarcinomas. Adenocarcinomas of the rectum, uterus, breast, ovary, and prostate may metastasise to the bladder, and very rarely adenocarcinoma may also arise in a urachal remnant.
Tumours of urinary tract
Transitional cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Adenocarcinoma
Most bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas, and the incidence in men is nearly three times that in women. Bladder cancer is currently the fourth most common cancer in men, after prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer).
Main factors associated with bladder cancer
Occupational chemical exposure
Cigarette smoking
Bacterial and parasitic infections (and bladder calculi)
Several factors are associated with the development of bladder cancer. Occupational exposure to chemicals is thought to precipitate up to one third of bladder cancers. The risk of developing bladder cancer in people who smoke is four times that in nonsmokers, and a third of all bladder cancers may be related to cigarette smoking. (Nitrosamines and 2-naphthylamine have been found in cigarette smoke and may be the causative agents.) All patients with bladder cancer should be told of this relation to smoking and be strenuously encouraged to stop smoking immediately. Chronic cystitis, from any cause, increases the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder. Cystitis related to schistosomiasis is worldwide the most common cause of this form of cancer. Bladder calculi may cause a chronic cystitis and over a long period may predispose to squamous cell carcinoma.
Occupational exposure to chemicals in development of bladder cancer
Occupations
Dental technicians
Dry cleaners
Leather workers
Mechanics and lorry drivers
Painters and decorators
Paper manufacturers
Chemical
Aniline dyes
2-Naphthylamine
Xenylamine
Benzidine
Symptoms and signs of bladder tumours
Most patients with bladder cancer present with painless haematuria. Some patients present with pronounced irritative bladder symptoms, and …
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