Bladder carcinoma. Long-term survival and late recurrence.

The records of 115 patients with bladder carcinoma and five years or longer post-diagnosis survival were surveyed after reclassification of the histologic specimens according to UICC. Late recurrence, 5-10 years after the initial diagnosis, was found in 39 patients (34%). Fourteen patients (12%) had died of bladder carcinoma during the observation period, generally as a consequence of transformation to higher tumour stage. Intercurrent disease, i.e. cardiovascular disorders or a second malignancy, led to 21 intercurrent deaths (18%). Large size and high grade of the primary tumour, but not multiplicity, were significantly associated with poorer long-term prognosis. The study underlines the importance of close long-term follow-up of patients with bladder carcinoma in order to permit early detection and treatment or recurrent tumours.