The role of multiple mucosal biopsies in the management of patients with bladder cancer.

The results of multiple biopsies from apparently non-tumour bearing bladder mucosa were studied in 154 patients with bladder cancer; 33% of the biopsies from apparently normal mucosa showed histological abnormalities including 4.5% with carcinoma. When the mucosa appeared red but flat, 52% of the biopsies showed histological abnormalities including 14% with carcinoma. Biopsies from mucosa that had a granular or mossy appearance showed carcinoma in 42%. A more aggressive management policy was adopted in 12 patients (8%) as a direct result of the biopsy findings.