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Roentgenologic calcification of transitional and squamous cell cancers of the bladder is an uncommon but certainly not rare finding: in this and another large series it occurs in approximately 0.5 per cent of cases. The tumors tend to be large, and the calcium may be encrusted on the surface of the neoplasm or lie deeper in a subepithelial position in degenerating or necrotic areas. Pathologically, the scattered or conglomerate distribution of the calcium results in a roentgenologic granular or nodular appearance usually in a semicircular pattern involving only a portion of the tumor mass as determined by urography or cystography. Bladder tumor calcification is sufficiently distinct to be differentiated from other more common calcifications occurring in the pelvis.

FOUR GROUPS OF EUROPEAN HAMSTERS (STRAIN MHH: EPH) were treated subcutaneously once weekly for life with 1/20 or 1/40 the LD(50) of DBN while another 2 groups served as controls. Three animals of each group were x-rayed every 2 weeks after i.v. injection of the contrast agent Urographin. By means of cystograms tumours of the urinary bladder were detected between the 20th and 26th weeks after beginning treatment when they had reached a diameter of 1-2 mm; their development was subsequently observed by periodical x-ray examinations. The technique described is simple and provides a valuable means for obtaining additional in vivo information concerning latency period, growth rate and identity of experimentally induced primary urinary bladder tumours in the European hamster.

Urinary tract involvement with metastatic malignant melanoma occurs much more commonly than generally thought. It is usually part of a disseminated process with a poor life expectancy. The renal parenchyma is the most common site affected, although this is infrequently detected roentgenographically. Urothelial involvement of the renal pelves, ureters, and bladder manifests as single or multiple filling defects at pyelography. This appearance of metastatic melanoma of the urinary tract has not been previously described in the roentgenologic literature. Recognition is important to prevent unnecessary intervention and to guide palliative treatment.