NATURAL-HISTORY OF SUPERFICIAL BLADDER-TUMORS - 10 TO 20-YEAR FOLLOW-UP OF TREATED PATIENTS

Superficial bladder tumors (Ta, T1, Tis) account for 80% of primary bl adder cancers. Transurethral resection and intravesical therapy are su ccessful in controlling the majority of these tumors for up to 5 years . However, patients with multiple or recurrent Ta, T1 and Tis bladder cancer have a lifelong risk of developing stage progression and upper tract tumors. One-half are at risk of having cystectomy eventually and one-third are at risk over a 15-20 year period of dying of bladder ca ncer.