[Bladder carcinoma in patients under 40 years of age]

A retrospective study was undertaken on 147 cases of bladder tumors T1 GI-II that were treated over the period 1984-1987. Of these, 9 (6.1%) were tumors in patients under 40 years of age. All the foregoing 9 cases, and only 97 of the remaining 138 cases could be evaluated and compared. The male to female ratio was 8:1. Both patient groups were similar with respect to tumor grade, number, and size. All patients were treated by TUR and received chemotherapy post-operatively. Of the 9 patients under 40 years of age, 2 (22.2%) patients classed as GII had tumor recurrence and total cystectomy was performed in one (11.1%) due to tumor upgrading; whereas for the remaining patient group tumor recurrence was 37.7% and tumor progression was 6.6%. This finding shows that the choice of treatment or the decision to follow patients more or less closely cannot be based on patient age. Treatment should be based on patient overall condition and tumor grade and stage.