Does invasive bladder cancer differ between women and men?

From July, 1976, to June, 1985, one hundred one radical cystectomies were performed for bladder cancer in our institution. Seventy-four were in men and 27 in women (2.7 to 1). In 87 percent of men the cystectomy was performed for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) compared with 60 percent in women. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was more prevalent in women, 30 percent versus 6 percent in men. Females also were more likely to have pT3, pT4 tumors at cystectomy, 59 percent versus 18 percent. The possible reasons for these differences are presented.