Incidence of primary urethral carcinoma in the United States

OBJECTIVES

Primary urethral carcinoma is rare, and the demographic correlates of its incidence have not been examined using population-based data.

METHODS

The National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to identify persons diagnosed with primary urethral carcinoma from 1973 to 2002. During this period, the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program included population-based tumor registries in nine geographic areas that represented approximately 10% of the U.S. population. The incidence rates were tabulated for the major histologic subtypes according to age, sex, and race.

RESULTS

Primary urethral carcinoma was identified in 1075 men and 540 women, with an annual age-adjusted incidence rate of 4.3 per million and 1.5 per million, respectively. The annual incidence rate increased with age to a peak of 32 per million men and 9.5 per million women in the 75 to 84-year age group. The rate was 5.0 per million and 2.5 per million for African Americans and whites, respectively. The histologic types were transitional cell carcinoma in 888 patients (55%), squamous cell carcinoma in 348 (21.5%), and adenocarcinoma in 265 (16.4%). The incidence of the three primary histologic types varied by race and sex.

CONCLUSIONS

In the United States, the incidence of urethral carcinoma is relatively higher in men and African Americans, with a histologic profile differing from that previously described.

Prostatic adenocarcinoma with endometrioid features. Clinical, pathologic, and ultrastructural findings

Thirteen cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma with endometrioid features were reviewed. The patients were older men (49-81 years) presenting with symptoms of hematuria and urinary obstruction. Each of the tumors displayed exophytic growth into the prostatic urethra, with involvement of the verumontanum. The urethral orifices of the large (primary) prostatic ducts were uniformly involved, and coexistent invasive (acinar) adenocarcinoma was identified in 10 cases (77%). The tumors exhibited a complex glandular pattern strikingly similar to uterine endometrial carcinoma, with prominent papillary formation in six cases. All cases demonstrated intense cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for prostatic acid phosphatase and prostate-specific antigen in at least part of the tumor. Focal staining for carcinoembryonic antigen was seen in three cases. Five tumors examined ultrastructurally demonstrated typical features of prostatic adenocarcinoma. Follow-up information was available on all 13 patients (6-83 months). Seven patients died of metastatic tumor (9-70 months after diagnosis), and the other six patients exhibited recurrent local or metastatic tumor. The sites of metastases were identical to those seen with invasive "acinar" prostatic adenocarcinoma, including pelvic lymph nodes, bones, and lungs. Crude 5-year survival was 15%, with a mean survival of 37 months. Adjuvant therapy provided palliative relief for many patients, but did not appear to influence survival. These findings indicate that endometrioid carcinoma is a histologically distinct variant of prostatic adenocarcinoma, with a more aggressive clinical behavior than previously thought.

Transitional cell carcinoma of the urethra in men having cystectomy for bladder cancer

Charcteristics of urethral transitional cell carcinoma in patients who have undergone cystectomy for bladder cancer have been reviewed. The retained urethra was the site of urothelial malignancy in 7 per cent of 348 patients who underwent cystectomy alone. Urethras removed during prophylactic cystourethrectomy in 110 patients showed unsuspected carcinoma in situ and marked atypic in 12.5 per cent. Patients with urethral cancer were at greater risk for meatal and upper tract tumors, a reflection of multicentric tumor neogenesis, and at greater risk for perineal tumors and inguinal metastases, a reflection of direct invasion. Cytology is advocated for examining the retained urethra. However, urethrectomy to include a fossa navicularis and glandular meatus at the time of cystectomy seems justified as a definitive means of guarding against the often asymptomatic and potentially lethal urethral occurrences of transitional cell carcinoma. Furthermore, incontinuity removal of the bladder and urethra more nearly satisfies the requirements for cancer surgery by avoiding transection of a tumor containing viscus.

Behavior of urothelial carcinoma with respect to anatomical location

PURPOSE

Urothelial carcinoma is a disease of the entire urothelium. Recent molecular insights suggest that the biology of some upper urinary tract and bladder urothelial carcinoma differ. These differences may affect tumor phenotype. Observational studies conflict as to the significance of anatomical location on the behavior of urothelial carcinoma. We compared the biological outcome in a large series of urothelial carcinoma with respect to anatomical location.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed urothelial carcinoma in 425 patients treated at 4 centers according to stage and anatomical location, including the bladder in 275, the ureter in 67 and the renal pelvis in 79. Relapse surveillance was performed for a median of 46 months (range 2 to 216). A separate invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma population was also included to pathologically balance upper and lower tract urothelial carcinoma cases to allow behavioral comparisons.

RESULTS

As a whole, upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma is more invasive and worse differentiated than bladder cancer (chi-square test p<0.0001 and 0.015, respectively). In pathologically matched cohorts recurrence to less aggressive disease, progression to more advanced disease and death occurred in 37%, 40% and 44% of patients with bladder urothelial carcinoma, and in 41%, 44% and 43% of those with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor stage and grade (Cox p=0.0001 and 0.012, respectively) but not location were associated with behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

Urothelial carcinoma behaves identically in the upper and lower urinary tracts when stage and grade are considered. The majority of tumors relapse within 5 years of excision. The current move to minimally invasive/nephron sparing techniques for urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract appears safe. Care could be analogous to that for bladder urothelial carcinoma.

URETHRAL TUMOR RECURRENCE FOLLOWING CYSTECTOMY AND URINARY DIVERSION: CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN 768 MALE PATIENTS

PURPOSE

We evaluated the incidence and risks of urethral recurrence following radical cystectomy and urinary diversion in men with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Clinical and pathological results were evaluated in 768 consecutive male patients undergoing radical cystectomy with intent to cure for bladder cancer with a median followup 13 years, including 397 (51%) who underwent orthotopic urinary diversion with a median followup of 10 years and 371 (49%) who underwent cutaneous urinary diversion with a median followup of 19 years. Demographically and clinically these 2 groups were well matched with the only exception being longer median followup in the cutaneous group (p <0.001). Urethral recurrence was analyzed by univariate and multivariable analysis according to carcinoma in situ, tumor multifocality, pathological characteristics (tumor grade, stage and subgroup), the presence and extent of prostate tumor involvement (superficial vs stromal invasion) and the form of urinary diversion (cutaneous vs orthotopic).

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients (6%) had urethral recurrence at a median of 2 years (range 0.2 to 13.6), including 16 (4%) with an orthotopic and 29 (8%) with a cutaneous form of urinary diversion. Carcinoma in situ and tumor multifocality were not significantly associated with an increased risk of urethral recurrence (p = 0.07 and 0.06, respectively). The presence of any (superficial and/or stromal invasion) prostatic tumor involvement was identified in 129 patients (17%). Prostate tumor involvement was associated with a significantly increased risk of urethral recurrence (p = 0.01). The estimated 5-year chance of urethral recurrence was 5% without any prostate involvement, increasing to 12% and 18% with superficial and invasive prostate involvement, respectively. Patients undergoing orthotopic diversion demonstrated a significantly lower risk of urethral recurrence compared with those undergoing cutaneous urinary diversion (p = 0.02). Patients without any prostate tumor involvement and orthotopic diversion (lowest risk group) demonstrated an estimated 4% year chance of urethral recurrence compared with a 24% chance in those with invasive prostate involvement undergoing cutaneous diversion (highest risk group). On multivariate analysis any prostate involvement (superficial and/or invasive) and urinary diversion form remained independent and significant predictors of urethral recurrence (p = 0.035 and 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

At long-term followup urethral tumor recurrence occurs in approximately 7% of men following cystectomy for bladder transitional cell carcinoma. Involvement of the prostate with tumor and the form of urinary diversion were significant and independent risk factors for urethral tumor recurrence. Patients undergoing orthotopic diversion have a lower incidence of urethral recurrence compared with those undergoing cutaneous diversion. Although prostate tumor involvement is a risk factor for urethral recurrence, it should not preclude orthotopic diversion, provided that intraoperative frozen section analysis of the urethral margin is without evidence of tumor.

The relationship between human papillomavirus and lower genital intraepithelial neoplasia in immunosuppressed women

In a group of 20 immunosuppressed women with lower genital neoplasia, evidence of associated human papillomaviral infection was found in all patients on the basis of the histologic identification of koilocytes in the upper strata of areas of mild or moderate dysplasia. Immunohistochemical study of similar areas disclosed human papilloma structural antigens in the lesions in 60%, while 50% had lesions in which human papilloma virions were detected by the electron microscope. An abnormal immunologic status, indicated by an altered T-helper/T-suppressor ratio, a deficient response to mitogenic stimulation, or both, was confirmed in 80% of the patients studied. Twelve of the 20 patients had unusually persistent and recurrent intraepithelial neoplasia, and in one the disorder progressed to invasive epidermoid carcinoma. The progressive behavior of human papillomavirus-associated neoplasia in these immunosuppressed patients might represent an accelerated version of the long-term course of such lesions in immunocompetent hosts.

Male urethral carcinoma: analysis of treatment outcome

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate our experience with primary carcinomas of the male urethra and to analyze the impact of tumor variables and treatment on overall, disease-specific, local recurrence-free, and metastasis-free survival.

METHODS

Between 1958 and 1996, we identified 46 men with primary carcinoma of the bulbar and anterior urethra. The median follow-up was 125 months (1 to 336). The patients were stratified by stage, nodal status, histologic type, treatment, type of surgery, site of disease, year at diagnosis, and smoking status.

RESULTS

The overall survival and disease-specific survival rates at 5 years were 42% and 50%, respectively. The recurrence-free survival and metastasis-free survival rates at 5 years were 51% and 56%, respectively. The overall survival rate was 83% for superficial disease versus 36% for invasive tumors. The overall survival rate was 26% for tumors of the bulbar urethra versus 69% for tumors of the anterior urethra.

CONCLUSIONS

Current modalities of treatment are ineffective for local control and survival. New treatment strategies are needed for urethral cancer.

Bladder cancer after managing upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma: predictive factors and pathology

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate patients with a history of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the upper urinary tract (UUT) to determine the incidence, pathological distribution, and risk factors for developing subsequent bladder tumours.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1993 and 2003, 103 patients were treated at our institution for UUT-TCC. We reviewed demographic, clinical, surgical, and pathological data from these patients at a median follow-up of 38.7 months, and used univariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression modelling to determine prognostic variables for bladder recurrences.

RESULTS

In all, 51 (49.5%) patients developed bladder tumours after treatment for UUT-TCC, at a mean interval of 13.2 months. Patient age (P = 0.01), UUT tumour size (P = 0.03), UUT tumour multifocality (P = 0.05), a history of bladder tumours (P = 0.03), and the number of previous bladder tumours (P = 0.05) predicted the development of bladder recurrences on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, only a previous history of bladder tumours (odds ratio 2.6, P = 0.05) remained significant. Over 90% of the recurrent bladder tumours were superficial, with two-thirds of these being low to moderate grade. Six patients had muscle-invasive disease, and five had a cystectomy.

CONCLUSION

Bladder tumours occurred in half the patients after treatment for UUT-TCC; > 60% of these subsequent bladder tumours were superficial, low- to moderate-grade lesions. Neither the pathology of the UUT tumours nor the method of treatment for the UUT disease was associated with recurrent bladder tumours. Only a history of bladder cancer predicted the development of subsequent bladder tumours.

Clear cell adenocarcinoma and nephrogenic adenoma of the urethra and urinary bladder: a histopathologic and immunohistochemical comparison

Because of histological similarities between nephrogenic adenomas and clear cell adenocarcinomas of the urinary tract, there is the potential for diagnostic confusion between these two entities. The histopathologic features of 13 nephrogenic adenomas and five clear cell adenocarcinomas of the urethra and urinary bladder are compared in this report, and detailed immunohistochemical staining profiles are provided for these tumors. Only 2 of the 13 nephrogenic adenomas contained clear cells, and these constituted less than 10% of the lesions. In contrast, four of the five clear cell adenocarcinomas contained prominent areas with clear cells. Nephrogenic adenomas generally showed only mild cytologic atypia, whereas four of the five clear cell adenocarcinomas showed severe atypia. A single mitotic figure was identified in only two of the nephrogenic adenomas, whereas the mitotic rate in the clear cell adenocarcinomas ranged from 2 to 14 per 10 high-power fields. None of the nephrogenic adenomas showed evidence of necrosis, but focal necrosis was noted in four of the five clear cell adenocarcinomas. In general, the nephrogenic adenomas and clear cell adenocarcinomas showed negative to weak staining with CK903 but strong staining with AE1, AE3, and Cam 5.2. Variable staining was observed with Brst-3 and antibodies to S-100, CEA (monoclonal and polyclonal), LeuM-1, and CA19.9. Nephrogenic adenomas and clear cell adenocarcinomas were all negative for prostate-specific acid phosphatase (PSAP), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and estrogen and progesterone receptors (except for two nephrogenic adenomas, which showed only focal weak staining for estrogen receptor). Neither bcl-2 nor c-erbB-2 staining was able to discriminate between the tumors. However, strong staining for p53 was noted in each clear cell adenocarcinoma and in none of the nephrogenic adenomas. MIB-1 positivity in nephrogenic adenomas ranged from 0 to 13 (average of 5.5) per 200 cells, whereas the positive range for clear cell adenocarcinomas was 33 to 70 (average of 47) per 200 cells. In summary, histopathologic features that favor clear cell adenocarcinoma over nephrogenic adenoma include a predominance of clear cells, severe cytological atypia, high mitotic rate, necrosis, high MIB-1 positivity, and strong staining for p53.

Malignant "triton" tumors: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of nine cases

Nine cases of malignant "triton" tumors, based on the coexistence of rhabdomyoblasts and Schwann cell elements, were analyzed clinicopathologically and immunocytochemically. All tumors were stained for myoglobin and S-100 protein by the immunoperoxidase technique. Six of the nine patients were in the third or fourth decade of life. Six cases were associated with von Recklinghausen's disease, and the tumors in two cases grew along nerve trunks. The malignant tumors showed a predilection for the thigh and buttock. Six of the seven deaths occurred within two years of the initial treatments. Strongly positive staining for S-100 protein was observed in three tumors, with transitional zones between the sarcomas and peripheral neurofibroma-like areas, as well as in two tumors composed predominantly of rhabdomyoblastic elements. In four other cases the tumors were only weakly positive for protein S-100. Intracytoplasmic myoglobin was present in all cases. Tumors composed predominantly of rhabdomyosarcomatous elements occurred in four patients, including two children with von Recklinghausen's disease. These results, considered with other findings, suggest that malignant "triton" tumors may not be as rare as previously believed.

Phase II trial of pemetrexed as second-line therapy in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma

PURPOSE

The purpose of this single-center phase II study was to determine the activity of pemetrexed administered as second-line therapy in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma.

METHODS

Patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma that had relapsed after receiving perioperative chemotherapy, or progressed on first-line chemotherapy for metastatic disease, were eligible for enrollment. Patients received pemetrexed 500 mg/m(2) every 21 days along with folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation.

RESULTS

A total of 13 patients were enrolled. An objective response was achieved in 1/12 evaluable patients for an overall response rate of 8% (90% upper limit 29%). This level of activity did not meet criteria for expansion based on the pre-defined optimal 2-stage Simon design and the trial was concluded. Treatment was generally well tolerated, however, 2/13 patients developed febrile neutropenia. Non-hematologic grade > or = 3 toxicity was rare.

CONCLUSIONS

Pemetrexed as second-line therapy in advanced urothelial carcinoma is associated with modest activity. The role of this novel antifolate in chemotherapy-naïve patients warrants further investigation.

Indications for urethrectomy in an era of continent urinary diversion

Interest in performing a continent urinary diversion and in preserving sexual potency after radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder has emphasized the need to identify accurately those men who are at high risk for urethral recurrences. We reviewed the records of 200 men who underwent radical cystectomy between 1969 and 1976. In 76 men urethrectomy and cystectomy were combined. Of these patients 6 had known urethral tumors and the incidence of unsuspected urethral malignancy was 2.9%. A total of 124 men had initial cystectomy only and were monitored up to 16 years (mean 67 months). Of these patients 6 (4.8%) underwent subsequent urethrectomy for malignant disease 6 to 40 months (median 23.5 months) after cystoprostatectomy. This group included 1 of 69 patients (1.5%) who presented with a solitary tumor not encroaching on the bladder neck, 1 of 22 (4.5%) with either carcinoma in situ or multifocal tumors not involving the prostate and none of the 9 with tumor at the bladder neck alone, which suggests that these patients may be satisfactory candidates for continent urinary diversion and may avoid the added risk to potency associated with urethrectomy. However, urethral recurrences were found in 4 of 24 patients (17%) who presented with disease extending into the prostate, including 3 of 10 (30%) with stromal invasion. These results emphasize the importance of assessing the prostatic urethra and ducts carefully before deciding to eliminate urethrectomy.

Urethral involvement in female bladder cancer patients: mapping of 47 consecutive cysto-urethrectomy specimens

We reviewed 47 consecutive step-sectioned cysto-urethrectomy specimens of bladder cancer in female patients to determine the incidence and characteristics of urethral involvement. Of the 47 cases 43 were transitional cell carcinoma: 10 (23%) papillary, 9 (21%) papillo-nodular and 18 (42%) nodular cancer, and 6 (14%) primary or secondary carcinoma in situ. There were 23 cases (54%) of invasive carcinoma of more than stage pT1 and 27 (63%) were grade 3 lesions. Urethral cancer was observed in only 3 cases: 1 stage pT4, grade 3 papillo-nodular cancer developed widely in the bladder and, overriding the bladder neck and proximal urethra, stage pTa, grade 2 papillary cancer was detected, while in 2 with nodular invasive lesions of the bladder (including the bladder neck) urethral cancer was detected either as a direct invasive extension via urethral carcinoma in situ or as an intralymphatic spread without urethral mucosal change. These findings indicate the necessity for prophylactic urethrectomy in cases of papillary or papillo-nodular cancer encroaching on the bladder neck, and nodular invasive cancer infiltrating the bladder neck and trigone. In other cases, preservation of the urethra seems possible for bladder reconstruction in female bladder cancer patients to ensure normal voiding after cystectomy.

Urethral recurrence of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Predictive value of preoperative latero-montanal biopsies and urethral frozen sections during prostatocystectomy

OBJECTIVE

The management of the male urethra after cystectomy for bladder cancer continues to be a dilemma. Patients who undergo a cystectomy require either urinary diversion or bladder substitution. Therefore, the use of the urethra to ensure voiding is important. On the other hand, the probable risk of urethral carcinoma recurrence is generally estimated at approximately 10%. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of preoperative urethral biopsies, and of frozen sections during cystoprostatectomy, in patients with invasive bladder cancer.

METHODS

From 1982 to 1986, 118 male patients underwent a cystoprostatectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. All patients underwent endoscopic latero-montanal biopsies 2 weeks preoperatively and urethral frozen cut section during radical prostatocystectomy.

RESULTS

Carcinoma was observed in 12 patients on both examinations. All patients underwent en bloc urethrectomy during cystectomy. In the remaining 106 patients, the frozen cut margin was negative (including 9 with positive latero-montanal biopsies), and these patients had the urethra preserved. After a 10-year minimum follow-up, no recurrence was observed in these patients with negative frozen cut-section. No significant risk factors for urethral recurrence were found. Latero-montanal biopsies did not reveal a positive specificity, and this procedure was later abandoned in our institution (in 1986).

CONCLUSIONS

The urethral frozen section was the only guideline used for simultaneously performing the urethrectomy. All male patients with negative frozen cut sections should be considered candidates for bladder substitution. A prophylactic urethrectomy is only indicated in patients with carcinoma (minimum carcinoma in situ) in the frozen urethral margin section during cystectomy.

Management of primary urethral cancer

OBJECTIVES

To determine the best therapeutic approach for treatment of patients with urethral cancer according to tumor location and clinical-pathologic stage.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 21 consecutive patients diagnosed with primary urethral carcinoma was performed. Clinical-pathologic staging, treatment modality, and outcome were analyzed.

RESULTS

The overall survival rate was 62%. In patients with clinical Stage Ta-2N0M0 tumors, 8 of 9 patients (89%) are free of disease compared to 5 of 12 patients (42%) with Stage T3-4N0-2M0 tumors (P = 0.03). Best treatment outcome for patients with Stage T3 disease or higher was obtained when multimodality therapy (neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy with or without surgery) was administered, with a disease-free survival rate of 60%.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical-pathologic stage was a strong predictor of disease-free survival rate. For patients with Ta-2N0M0 tumors, multimodality therapy may not be required. Conversely, best treatment outcomes in patients with T3-4N0-2M0 tumors are obtained by administering a multimodal therapy combining chemotherapy and radiation therapy with surgical resection.

ALK expression in pseudosarcomatous myofibroblastic proliferations of the genitourinary tract

AIMS

Pseudosarcomatous myofibroblastic proliferation of the genitourinary tract is rare and may develop after trauma or spontaneously. The aim of this study was to characterize further the clinicopathological features of these lesions and to examine their relationship to inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty-seven cases of pseudosarcomatous myofibroblastic proliferation were analysed. There were seven males and 20 females; median age was 37 years (range 16-88). Most lesions were from the bladder (n = 21), while others were in the urethra, vulva, vagina, rectum and retrovesical space. Median tumour size was 30 mm (range 6-120 mm). Seven cases (25%) had a history of prior trauma or surgery. Three cases recurred locally but not destructively. The tumours had fasciitis-like features including bland spindle cells with evenly distributed chromatin, admixed inflammatory cells (mainly lymphocytes) and often a myxoid stroma. Immunohistochemistry showed positivity for smooth muscle actin in 14/20 cases, keratin in 8/19, desmin in 7/20 and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in 10/21 cases. Fluorescent in situ hybridization was performed in six ALK+ cases; all were negative for ALK gene rearrangement.

CONCLUSIONS

Pseudosarcomatous myofibroblastic proliferations of the genitourinary tract may show ALK immunopositivity but do not show consistent ALK rearrangement. Given subtle morphological differences and more consistently benign behaviour, their relationship to inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour at other sites remains uncertain.

Prostatic involvement in bladder cancer. Prostate mapping in 20 cystoprostatectomy specimens

Twenty prostate glands from patients with either high-grade papillary tumors (19 patients, 15 of whom also had peripheral carcinoma in situ) or multifocal carcinoma in situ (1 patient) of the bladder who underwent cystoprostatectomy were studied histologically by mapping. Prostatic duct involvement by urothelial carcinoma was noted in nine patients, two with extensive involvement and seven with focal involvement confined to periurethral ducts. Carcinoma in situ of the bladder was observed in each of the nine patients and intraepithelial permeation appeared to be the predominant manner of spread of cancer cells into the prostate. The prostatic involvement was clinically silent and it may be a potential source of failure of conservative modalities of treatment of high-grade bladder cancer. A routine diagnostic transurethral prostatic biopsy may be recommended in the workup of patients with carcinoma in situ and high-grade carcinomas of the bladder. An incidental observation was the presence of 14 occult prostatic adenocarcinomas.

Needle-tract implantation following us-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, urethra, and prostate

Localized tumor implantation of the ventral abdominal wall was found at 2, 5, and 8 months following percutaneous ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of transitional carcinoma of the bladder, urethra, or prostate in 3 dogs. To our knowledge this complication has not been reported in dogs following FNAB. Despite the rarity of needle-tract implantation, the potential for this complication with transitional cell carcinomas is apparently not negligible and warrants consideration. We recommend traumatic urethral catheterization to obtain a cytologic diagnosis of potential transitional cell carcinomas of the lower urinary tract or prostate whenever possible until more information becomes available. However, needle-track implantation is so rare that it should not influence the decision to perform a percutaneous FNAB if the urethra cannot be catheterized.

Mucosal malignant melanomas

Forty-seven cases of mucosal malignant melanomas and the recent literature are reviewed. Twenty patients had head and neck mucosal malignant melanomas; 14 had vulvar and 7 vaginal melanomas. Included are also isolated cases of urethral, anal and esophageal melanoma. Mucosal malignant melanomas are more aggressive and behave differently from cutaneous melanomas. The pathologic description and leveling system known from cutaneous melanomas are not applicable in mucosal melanomas, and other prognostic factors such as depth of invasion seem more important. Extensive surgical procedures is the favored treatment when cure is intended whereas radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy currently serve mainly as palliative measures. The prognosis is generally grave. In this review, 5 of the 20 patients with head and neck tumors and 3 of the patients with vulvar tumors had 5 years cures, but later recurrences are not infrequent. Two patients are alive with metastatic disease whereas the rest died from primary or recurrent disease. The main problem in head and neck tumors was gaining control over the local disease process, whereas metastatic disease was less ominous and less frequent. This was different in vulvar melanomas, in which disseminated metastatic disease made the disease difficult to control in the majority of cases. The course of the 47 patients, the poor treatment results and the rarity of the disease show the need for centralized registration and management of mucosal malignant melanomas.

Leiomyoma of the female urethra and bladder: report of twenty-three patients and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

Our purpose was to review what may be the largest experience of bladder and urethral leiomyomas from a single institution.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective review was done of 23 female patients with emphasis on presentation, symptoms, and operative approach for excision.

RESULTS

The majority of bladder and urethral leiomyomas in this series were asymptomatic, nonobstructive, or incidental (discovered at surgery for another entity). Ten patients had a palpable mass on physical examination. Two patients had pain as a presenting complaint. The route of operative excision was transvaginal (10 patients), transurethral (6 patients), or abdominal (6 patients). One patient had the leiomyoma removed elsewhere with a resultant vesicovaginal fistula.

CONCLUSIONS

Corollaries should be sought with the experience of uterine leiomyomas, which are histologically identical to bladder leiomyomas. Asymptomatic, nonobstructive, and nonproblematic leiomyomas should not serve as an indication for primary operation. Pedunculated endovesical lesions may be an exception because of the ease of transurethral removal and their tendency to cause future symptoms. Ultrasonographic imaging, cystoscopy, and biopsy should be considered to allow observation and follow-up of leiomyomas. Future investigative cytogenetic studies should be considered on these mesenchymal tumors.

The histogenesis of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the lower urinary tract. Case series and review of the literature

Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the lower urinary tract is a rare neoplasm whose histogenesis has not been thoroughly investigated. We have examined six specimens of clear cell adenocarcinomas collected from three institutions using histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical techniques. Results indicate that almost all clear cell adenocarcinomas of this region express morphological and antigenic features, suggesting müllerian differentiation, and that müllerian differentiation is not a feature of either nonclear cell adenocarcinomas or normal female paraurethral glands. Including the authors' six specimens, 46 specimens have been reported in the available English literature. The accumulated experience confirms the initial impression that these tumors develop predominantly in the urethras of women and occur over a wide age range. Despite high stage at diagnosis, most patients have been alive with no evidence of disease when reported, a prognosis that seems to apply regardless of length of follow-up.

THE MANAGEMENT OF URETHRAL TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA AFTER RADICAL CYSTECTOMY FOR INVASIVE BLADDER CANCER

PURPOSE

Previous reports have identified risk factors for urethral recurrence following radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). However, reports of the clinical presentation, treatment and outcome in these patients are lacking. We report our experience with the diagnosis, management and outcome of urethral TCC after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A database of 1,054 patients who underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion for TCC from 1971 to 1997 was retrospectively reviewed. All patients with urethral TCC after surgery were identified.

RESULTS

Urethral TCC was diagnosed in 47 men a median of 18.5 months (range 2 to 116) after cystectomy with 20 (42%) diagnosed within 1 year. Symptomatic recurrence developed in 24 of 42 evaluable patients (57%), 21 had bloody urethral discharge and 7 had pain or a palpable mass. A total of 13 patients (31%) were asymptomatic with abnormal cytology. The remaining 5 patients underwent prophylactic urethrectomy based on cystectomy pathology. Overall 41 patients underwent urethrectomy, which was total in 36 and distal with perineal urethrostomy in 5, including later conversion to total urethrectomy in 2. Overall at a median followup of 26 months (range 3 to 275) since diagnosis 36 of 47 patients (76%) were dead, including 25 of metastatic disease. Only 10 patients (21%) remained disease-free. Median overall survival in patients with urethral TCC after radical cystectomy was only 28 months after the diagnosis of urethral TCC. Urethral stage (superficial vs invasive disease) at diagnosis was the most import predictor of overall survival in this cohort of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with urethral recurrence present with symptoms. However, screening cytology alone still detects a significant proportion. The median survival of patients with urethral TCC after radical cystectomy is only 28 months after diagnosis. Urethral stage (superficial vs invasive disease) at diagnosis is the most import predictor of overall survival in this cohort of patients.

Pathology of canine bladder and urethral cancer and correlation with tumour progression and survival

Biopsy and necropsy specimens, comprising 107 primary carcinomas and three mesenchymal tumours, were reviewed from 110 dogs with cancer of the bladder, urethra, or both. Histological classifications developed for the assessment of human bladder cancer were found to be readily applicable to the dog. These classifications are based on histological features, including the pattern of growth, the cell type, the grade of transitional tumour and the depth of invasion of the bladder wall. Features associated with localized disease in canine transitional cell carcinoma included papillary architecture, "in-situ" tumour, low tumour grade and a strong peritumoral lymphoid cell reaction. Features of tumours with metastasis included infiltrating and non-papillary architecture, increasing tumour grade, depth of invasion, vascular invasion and presence of peritumoral fibrosing reaction. Wide variability was found within single tissue samples, indicating that multiple sample sites are necessary for the adequate characterization of a given lesion. Statistically significant correlations were found between: tumour grade and depth of invasion (P < 0.0001); tumour grade and presence of metastases (P < 0.029); and peritumoral desmoplasia and metastases (P < 0.029). It was concluded that canine bladder cancer could be classified for the purpose of clinical management with a modified World Health Organization system as developed for human tumours.

Adenomatous metaplasia (nephrogenic adenoma) of urothelium. An analysis of 70 cases

A retrospective analysis of 70 cases of adenomatous metaplasia seen in the St Peter's Hospitals over a 15-year period has been carried out. The lesions occurred at all ages (7-81 years) and in both sexes (51 males, 19 females) and were found throughout the urinary tract from pelvis to urethra. In the pelvis and ureter the finding was usually an incidental one in association with stones or chronic inflammation; ulceration was a frequent accompaniment. Most vesical and urethral lesions followed a surgical procedure months or years previously, the patients re-presenting with haematuria or irritative bladder symptoms. The endoscopic appearances varied but there was often a striking correlation between the location of the lesions and the site of previous surgery. The association of adenomatous metaplasia with ulceration and previous surgery leads us to suggest that it is merely an unusual response to wound healing and attempts to treat it by diathermy resection are, therefore, likely to meet with limited success. Cystoscopic follow-up of persistent lesions gives no reason to suppose they are pre-malignant.