[Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: behavior in young adults]

Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder is uncommon in the first three decades of life. Some authors claim that these age groups generally have low grade and superficial tumors. Our experience in the diagnosis and management of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in patients < or = 30 years old are analyzed.

The study comprised thirty-four patients (29 males and 5 females) who had been treated at the Fundación Puigvert from September, 1977 to November, 1993.

Pathological analyses of the TUR and biopsy specimens showed most of the patients had low grade (88%) and stage (93%) tumors. The mean follow up was 66 months, range 12-168 months; 28 patients (83%) had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Fourteen patients were stage Ta, 9 were T1, one T2, and there were 4 cases whose tumor stage could not be assessed (Tx). Tumor recurrence was observed in 9 of 28 patients (32%) and tumor progression in 1 patient.

This tumor type is uncommon in patients < or = 30 years old. This age group generally has low grade/stage tumors. Although the incidence of tumor progression is low and these patients have a good prognosis, treatment and subsequent follow-up depend on tumor grade and stage at the time of diagnosis.