Inflammatory processes mimicking bladder tumors in children

Tumor-like proliferative lesions were discovered on cystourethrography and cystoscopy in two children, one with severe bacterial urinary tract infection and the other with painless terminal hematuria. Histologically, these lesions were characterized by inflammatory infiltration and proliferative changes of the bladder epithelium. Appropriate treatment, including antibiotics, resulted in complete disappearance of the bladder lesions in both patients. The development of such lesions is related to the potential for nonneoplastic proliferation and metaplasia of the bladder epithelium and is considered to be the result of irritation associated with infection or other chemical and physical factors. The known malignant potential of such bladder pathology indicates a need for careful, long-term follow-up in such patients, including children.