Bladder carcinoma in Ibadan Nigeria: a changing trend?

A review of cases of bladder carcinoma in Ibadan, Nigeria between 1979-1989 suggest a changing trend with a rise in the frequency of transitional cell carcinoma (49.9%) relative to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Earlier reports from Ibadan indicated a preponderance of SCC. However, similar to other reports, SCC is more frequent amongst those aged 50 years and below (45.5%) compared to TCC (18%). This frequency has often been related to schistosomal infestation. Though the possibility of age-related factors are considered, the significance of changing environmental and socio-economic factors are highlighted. Whilst better public enlightenment and health education, may help in lowering the intensity of schistosomal infestation, increasing urbanization and industrialization may be increasing environmental factors that predispose to transitional (urothelial) cell carcinoma of the bladder.