No abstract

Several tenets based on cytogenetic analysis have been developed for noninvasive and submucosal invasive carcinoma of the bladder. In noninvasive carcinoma absence of marker chromosomes (abnormal morphological forms) forecasts a 90 per cent post-resection cure. In submucosal invasive carcinoma marker chromosomes are valuable prognostic aids. Original marker chromosomes are neither replaced nor supplemented by a different marker in recurrences. To test these tenets the cytogenetics of 50 selected carcinomas of the bladder (37 noninvasive and 13 submucosal invasive) from patients followed for up to 17 years from 1968 through 1985 were tabulated. In noninvasive carcinoma absence of markers, prognostic of long-term remission, does not rule out ultimate recurrence. In submucosal invasive carcinoma the markers, commonly present, only confirm the prognosis inherent in histopathology. In recurrences the original marker chromosomes are commonly repeated but they may be added to or replaced.