Multiple biopsies of normal-looking urothelium in patients with superficial bladder cancer: Are they necessary?
BACKGROUND
The objective of the study presented here was to assess the usefulness and indications of multiple biopsies of normal-appearing urothelium in patients with superficial bladder cancer.


METHODS
Between December 1996 and December 2002, multiple biopsies of normal-appearing bladder mucosa were performed in 100 patients with superficial bladder transitional cell carcinoma. Biopsy specimens were taken from seven different sites in females and nine different sites in males.


RESULTS
In eight of 100 patients, bladder cancers were detected in the biopsy specimens. Three cases were Ta and five were Tis. All of the five patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) in their biopsy specimens had multiple papillary broad-base tumors and positive urinary cytology. The detection ratio of CIS in patients with these findings was 17.9% (5/28). No concomitant CIS was detected in the 72 patients who had a solitary tumor, pedunculated tumor(s), or negative urinary cytology.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple mucosal biopsies of normal-appearing urothelium are not necessary for all patients with superficial bladder cancer. They are, however, necessary for patients with multiple papillary broad-base tumors and positive urinary cytology.
Fujimoto
Naohiro
N
Department of Urology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health. 1-1 Iseigaoka Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan. n-fuji@med.uoeh-u.ac.jp
Harada
Shuji
S
Terado
Michikazu
M
Sato
Hideki
H
Matsumoto
Tetsuro
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001706:Biopsy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000473:pathology*; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D019459:Urothelium / Q000473:pathology