title: Risk factors for bladder tumors in spinal cord injury patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We evaluated risk factors for the development of bladder tumors in spinal cord injury patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective review was done of all bladder tumors at 1 institution with matched controls for 7 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We identified 17 malignant and 2 benign tumors. Indwelling bladder catheters and a history of bladder stones were statistically significant risk factors. Four patients with negative biopsies underwent repeat biopsy due to suspicious cytology and cancer was found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An indwelling urinary catheter and a history of bladder stones are statistically significant risk factors. Cytology and biopsy are complimentary in the evaluation of urothelial malignancy in this population. A high index of suspicion and thorough evaluation are needed in spinal cord injury patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Stonehill
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Dmochowski
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Cox
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D001744:Urinary Bladder Calculi / Q000150:complications; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects