Rheumatoid factor in bladder tumors.

We used the standard latex fixation test to screen 71 patients with bladder tumors and appropriate controls for the rheumatoid factor. The rheumatoid factor was present in transitional and squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder. Positivity was correlated with staging and histological grading of the tumor. In control subjects it was present in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis and anal canal. The possibility of the circulating immune complex with tumor antigen and its antibody has been discussed.