Risk Factors for Bladder Tumors in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

We evaluated risk factors for the development of bladder tumors in spinal cord injury patients.A retrospective review was done of all bladder tumors at 1 institution with matched controls for 7 years.We identified 17 malignant and 2 benign tumors. Indwelling bladder catheters and a history of bladder stones were statistically significant risk factors. Four patients with negative biopsies underwent repeat biopsy due to suspicious cytology and cancer was found.An indwelling urinary catheter and a history of bladder stones are statistically significant risk factors. Cytology and biopsy are complimentary in the evaluation of urothelial malignancy in this population. A high index of suspicion and thorough evaluation are needed in spinal cord injury patients.