Bladder cancer and eosinophilic cystitis

Objective: Eosinophilic cystitis (EC) is a histological diagnosis that can affect all layers of bladder, characterized with eosinophilic infiltration, inflammatory cells, mucosal fibrosis, and necrosis in muscular layer. Its etiology is not completely known. In this study, we evaluated our patients with diagnosis of EC, which is commonly confused with bladder cancer.

Materials and methods: Fifteen patients, who had transurethral resection or punch biopsy with preliminary diagnosis of bladder cancer and diagnosed as EC after pathologic investigation, were included to this study. Files of all patients were retrospectively evaluated, and age, history for allergy, hematuria and previous operations, and medications were noted. All patients were called for a control examination, and their active complaints were recorded.

Results: The mean age of the 15 patients, who were included in to the study, was 62.2 years. Five patients had macroscopic hematuria, 7 patients had microscopic hematuria, and 3 patients had no hematuria. Four patients had a history of bladder cancer; bladder cancer was detected in one patient during follow-up. Eight patients had mass lesion in bladder in ultrasonography, 4 patients had suspicious areas in cystoscopy. Four patients had recurrence of hematuria, and these patients were given medical treatment for EC.

Conclusion: EC can interfere with bladder cancer and may recur after medical or surgical therapy. Physicians should share their experiences about EC so that diagnosis, treatment and follow up standardization can be performed for this not well known disease.