Scanning electron microscopic study of carcinoma of the urinary bladder

The urinary bladder of 30 patients with histologically proven carcinoma of the urinary bladder was studied by scanning electron microscopy [SEM]. Specimens were taken from the tumor as well as from the normal looking mucosa. The SEM characteristics of the various types of bladder cancer have been verified. In addition, the apparently normal mucosa showed precancerous surface changes that were not always evident by light microscopic examination. These findings lend a further support to concept of multicentricity of bladder cancer. This concept should be taken in consideration in planning the management of patients with carcinoma of the urinary bladder, partial cystectomy is not a suitable operation for such patients