Nonbilharzial Squamous Cell Bladder Cancer: An Indian Experience

Abstract

Background Squamous cell carcinoma represents the second most common histological type of bladder cancer. Nonbilharzial squamous cell carcinomas of bladder are rare histological variant with limited experience. Objective We aimed to review our experience to determine various treatment patterns and survival outcomes for this malignancy. Methods Data from patients treated at our center from 1995 to 2016 was collected from patient records and analyzed. Clinicopathological variables, treatment patterns, and follow-up data were extracted. Results A total of 32 patients were included in the study with a median age of 55.5 years. Hematuria was the most common presentation. Overall, 16 patients underwent radical cystectomy, 8 underwent definitive radiotherapy (RT), 4 received palliative RT, and 4 patients defaulted for any treatment. Surgery conferred better survival rates as compared with RT (31.9 vs. 7.45 months). In the surgical group, only pathological TNM staging was a significant prognostic factor. Conclusion In localized nonbilharzial squamous cell bladder cancer, radical cystectomy with bilateral pelvic node dissection appears to be treatment modality of choice. Larger series are needed to validate the role of other perioperative modalities.