Schistosomiasis and carcinoma of the bladder in Zambia

Carcinoma of the bladder is the third most important malignancy seen in Zambia, accounting for nearly 9% of all malignancies seen in the Department of Pathology at the University of Zambia. A review of 217 cases of carcinoma of the bladder seen in the department over a 5-year period revealed a preponderance of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (75%). Of the 217 cases, 65% had concomitant schistosomiasis. These tumours tended to occur in a younger age group than that reported from England and North America. The pattern of pathology conforms with that reported from other parts of Africa with hyperendemic and endemic schistosomiasis. The aetiological role of schistosomiasis in bladder cancer is critically examined.