Malignant lymphoma of bladder. Report of three cases and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND

The significance of long-standing cystitis has been postulated as a causal factor in malignant lymphoma of bladder.

METHODS

The authors reviewed 3 cases of primary malignant lymphoma of the urinary bladder and an additional 27 cases described in the literature (25 from Western countries and 2 from Japan). Clinical and pathologic findings in the total 30 cases are summarized.

RESULTS

The majority of patients presented with gross hematuria and were between 20 and 85 years of age (median age, 64 years). Marked female preponderance was found (male to female ratio, 1:6.5). Six patients (20%), all of whom were women, out of 30 had a history of chronic cystitis. Macroscopic findings showed a solitary mass (22 cases), multiple masses (6 cases), or a diffuse lesion without nodule formation (2 cases). The vast majority of bladder lymphoma were non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) of B-cell type; among them, 14% were follicular lymphomas. Follow-up indicated that NHL of bladder had a favorable prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Malignant lymphoma of bladder is characterized by a preponderance in women, who are occasionally affected by chronic cystitis.