Intermittent self-catheterization and the risk of squamous cell cancer of the bladder: An emerging clinical entity?

Abstract

There are only 7 cases reported in the literature of squamous cellcancer of the bladder in patients performing intermittent selfcatheterization(ISC). We report on an eighth case, and the firstcase described in a patient with a Mitrofanoff continent appendicovesicostomy.A description of the case and review of the literatureare presented. Risk factors for squamous cell cancer includerecurrent urinary tract infections, keratinising squamous metaplasia(leukoplakia) and local mucosal trauma from intermittent selfcatheterization.There is no recognized or validated monitoringprogram for patients performing ISC who may also have theserisk factors. Reasonable protocols may include regular urinarycytology and cystoscopy with random or targeted bladder biopsies.Squamous cell cancer may present late in this cohort of patientsand is associated with a dismal prognosis.