Analysis of 90 step-sectioned cystectomized specimens of bladder cancer

For systematic understanding of papillary superficial carcinoma and nonpapillary invasive carcinoma of the bladder 90 cystectomized specimens of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder were analyzed by step-section. From gross and microscopic observations bladder cancer was classified into 3 types: type 1--multiple papillary superficial carcinomas with or without small areas of dysplasia or carcinoma in situ, type 2--multiple coexistent papillary and nonpapillary carcinomas with widespread dysplasia and carcinoma in situ, and type 3--solitary nonpapillary invasive carcinoma without dysplasia and carcinoma in situ. Actuarial 5-year survival rates for types 1 to 3 were 97, 50 and 17 per cent, respectively. Although this classification is somewhat overlapping and there is a bias that basic data are obtained from the cystectomized specimens, we believe that such an analysis is necessary for considering the histogenesis and progression of human bladder cancer.