The pathology of bladder cancer: An update on selected issues

Abstract

Objective: To achieve a closer relationship between urologists and pathologists and to use a common language and identical objectives in the pathology of bladder cancer.

Methods and results: Special emphasis was given to an analysis of the new World Health Organization (WHO) grading system, to the interpretation of the last Tumour-Nodes-Metastasis staging rules, and to identifying new markers of prognostic significance in clinical practice. A consensus was achieved on the main points.

Conclusions: The 2004 WHO grading system must become acceptable to clinicians, perhaps by a minimal modification of the present terminology. Simple transurethral resection-biopsy should be expressed in terms of clinical rather than pathological staging. Although there are substantial improvements, no new markers can be recommended for routine use in histopathology at present.