Clinical Behavior of Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma in Young Patients: A Single Center Experience

Background. There is not enough evidence about clinical behavior of bladder cancer in younger patients. Objective. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of bladder urothelial carcinoma patients under the age of 40 years. Methods. Medical records of patients listed in our cancer database were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 40 patients who were initially diagnosed with bladder urothelial carcinoma at the age less than 40 years were included in the study. Patients' records were reviewed for recurrence and progression rates, demographic data, medical history, and treatment modalities. Results. Pathological results revealed 33 (82.5%) Ta low-grade, 6 (15%) T1 high-grade, and 1 (2.5%) T2 high-grade urothelial carcinomas. Recurrence was detected in 14/39 (35.9%) patients but progression was not observed in any patients. The mean age of recurrent patients was significantly higher than nonrecurrent patients (34.8 versus 28.5 years; p < 0.05). Besides, recurrence was detected in only 1 patient with the age under 30 years (6.2%) and 13 patients (54.1%) between 30 and 40 years old, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Bladder urothelial carcinoma diagnosed at young age tends to be a low pathologic stage, with relatively low rate of recurrence and progression.