Risks of Bladder Cancer in Patients with Childhood Augmentation or Chronic Catheters for Neurogenic Bladder

Purpose of Review As patients with spina bifida are living longer, more long-term outcomes are being reported. Today, the conversation surrounding neurogenic bladder care has evolved from reducing mortality to enhancing quality of life, namely, reducing urinary incontinence while still preserving upper tract function. In this paper, we seek to review risks of bladder malignancy in neurogenic bladder patients with history of augmentation or chronic catheters. Recent Findings Recent data has demonstrated that cancers in bladders with prior augmentation or chronic catheters tend to be advanced, aggressive, and occur at a younger age. However, bladder cancer in this population is difficult to predict and difficult to diagnose before it is too late. Summary Screening protocols and early diagnostic tools remain elusive as these cancers may present with symptoms that can be easily overlooked or attributed to other disease processes. Current work with biomarkers may yield better diagnostic tools than cystoscopy or cytology.