Bladder Cancer: Epidemiological, Clinical, and Therapeutic Aspects in Hospitals of Ziguinchor City

Introduction: Bladder cancer is one of the most common urological malignancies, with a high global incidence in men. Studies conducted in Dakar report a prevalence of 2.5% according to histopathological findings. Transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB) remains the cornerstone of treatment. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of bladder cancer in urology departments in Ziguinchor. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study over five years (January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2023), including all bladder cancer cases managed in our departments. Patient data were collected from medical records. Chi-square (χ2) and Student’s t-tests were applied, with significance set at p < 0.05. Variables included epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, TURB-related, therapeutic, and outcome data. Results: Bladder cancer was the second most frequent urological malignancy (22%), after prostate cancer (69%). The mean age of patients was 62.4 years with a male predominance 69.2% (n = 18). Median time for consultation was 60 days. Hematuria was reported in 88.5% (n = 23). General condition was poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG3) in 58% of patients. Smoking was present in 34.6% (n = 9). Urinary tract ultrasound was performed in 84.6% (n = 22) and CT urography in 61.5% (n = 16). Cystoscopy and TURB were systematically performed, within an average of 3 months. Complications included hematuria and renal impairment. Urothelial carcinoma was found in 69.2% (n = 18). Total cystectomy was performed in 15.4% (n = 4). Overall, 50% (n = 13) of patients died. During follow-up, 15.4% (n = 4) were lost to follow-up at 3 months. Median survival was 4 months. Conclusion: Bladder cancer is prevalent among older adults. Cystoscopy was systematically performed in our study. TURB remains the cornerstone of treatment. Prognosis is poor at advanced stages.