Should pT1 transitional cell cancers of the bladder still be classified as superficial?

Abstract

Of 171 patients consecutively presenting with newly diagnosed transitional cell cancer (TCC) of the bladder, 107 were "superficial"; 98 have been followed up for 2 years and 84 for 3 years. No patient with pTa TCC developed muscle infiltrating recurrences, although 15% progressed to pT1 category by 3 years. At 2 and 3 years respectively, 33 and 46% of the pT1 TCC had progressed to infiltrate muscle. The use of the term "superficial" to describe pTa and pT1 category TCC together in one grouping should be reconsidered.