Cancer identified incidentally in the prostate following radical cystoprostatectomy: an Australian study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and tumour characteristics of incidental prostatic cancer in Australian men with primary bladder cancer undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy (RCP). METHOD: Cystoprostatectomy specimens were reviewed for a 10-year period from a leading pathology centre in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Stamey classification was used to define significant prostate cancer. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-nine patients underwent RCP, 50 (39%) had prostatic adenocarcinoma, of which 35 (70%) were clinically significant. Apical involvement was seen in 10 (20%) of which 8 (16%) were clinically significant. High-grade intraepithelial neoplasia was seen in 27 (21%) and urothelial carcinoma or extension of bladder tumour was seen in 15 (12%) and 10 (8%) respectively. Bladder carcinoma in situ (CIS) was strongly associated with presence of urethral disease (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: High rates of prostatic involvement with adenocarcinoma and as well as urothelial malignancy was detected in patients with primary bladder cancer undergoing cystoprostatectomy. Large proportions of prostate adenocarcinoma were clinically significant. Presence of bladder CIS was significantly associated with presence of prostatic urethral disease.