[Urothelial papillary neoplasms of low malignant potential. Retrospective studies]

The knowledge about the evolution and long-term survival of patients with papillary utothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential of the bladder is still limited due to the recent implantation of this term.

Patients with superficial bladder cancer treated at HRU Reina Sofía between 1990 and 1995 were reviewed. We found 50 patients with the diagnostic criteria of "papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential" according to the classification of the 1998 World Health Organization/International Society of Urologic Pathology (WHO/ISUP). There were no patients with a prior history or coexistent urothelial dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, or invasive urothelial carcinoma.

Patient mean age at diagnosis was 62.08 years old (range: 32-85). Male to female ratio was 7:1 (44 male and 6 female). No evidence of neoplasia in the upper urinary tract was found in any patient. Thirty nine patients (78%) had one or two tumor implants, and 11 patients (22%) had three or more. Mean tumor size was 2.26 cm (range: 1-5). There were recurrence without progression in 17 cases (34%) and recurrence with progression in two patients (4%). Mean survival was 78 months (range: 38-117) and two patients died of bladder cancer.

Patients with papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential have increased risk of local recurrence, progression, and dying of bladder cancer. Long-term follow-up is recommended in the postoperative management of these patients.