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Urology106 papers

Urothelial papilloma

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Urothelial papilloma refers to benign epithelial tumors arising from the urothelium, commonly found in the bladder and ureter. These lesions are typically asymptomatic but may present incidentally or with hematuria 5.

Diagnosis

  • Histopathological Examination: Essential for definitive diagnosis, distinguishing papillomas from more aggressive lesions 5.
  • Immunohistochemistry: MUC1 expression can aid in differentiating between low-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma and papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential (PUNLMP) 5.
  • Frozen Sections: Indicated for intraoperative assessment of surgical margins in partial nephrectomies and penectomies, though not routinely for tumor characterization 4.
  • Grading: Typically classified using WHO/ISUP grading systems, though interobserver variability exists 7.
  • Management

  • Surgical Excision: Primary treatment, often via endoscopic resection, ensuring complete removal to prevent recurrence 1.
  • Follow-Up: Regular cystoscopy and urine cytology recommended post-excision to monitor for recurrence 5.
  • Laser Therapy: Emerging as a minimally invasive option for treatment, particularly in endoscopic settings 1.
  • Special Populations

  • Elderly Patients: Management principles similar, but surgical risks may necessitate careful consideration 1.
  • Comorbidities: Presence of comorbidities may influence surgical approach and necessitate tailored management strategies 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Surgical Excision is Recommended for Definitive Treatment of urothelial papilloma to ensure complete removal and reduce recurrence risk (Evidence: Strong 1).
  • Regular Follow-Up Post-Excision is crucial for early detection of recurrence through cystoscopy and urine cytology (Evidence: Moderate 5).
  • Consider Laser Therapy as a Minimally Invasive Option for selected cases, particularly in endoscopic settings, to optimize functional outcomes (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • References

    1 Ragonese M, Dibitetto F, Bassi P, Pinto F. Laser technology in urologic oncology. Urologia 2022. link 2 Rechtschaffen TH, Kapoor DA. Health Policy and Advocacy. The Urologic clinics of North America 2021. link 3 Egevad L, Cheville J, Evans AJ, Hörnblad J, Kench JG, Kristiansen G et al.. Pathology Imagebase-a reference image database for standardization of pathology. Histopathology 2017. link 4 Algaba F. Value of frozen sections in uropathology. Analytical and quantitative cytopathology and histopathology 2015. link 5 Garbar C, Mascaux C. Expression of MUC1 (Ma695) in noninvasive papillary urothelial neoplasm according to the 2004 World Health Organization classification of the noninvasive urothelial neoplasm. An immunologic tool for the pathologist?. Analytical and quantitative cytology and histology 2011. link 6 Kuroda N, Shiotsu T, Ohara M, Hirouchi T, Mizuno K, Miyazaki E. Female urethral adenocarcinoma with a heterogeneous phenotype. APMIS : acta pathologica, microbiologica, et immunologica Scandinavica 2006. link 7 Murphy WM, Takezawa K, Maruniak NA. Interobserver discrepancy using the 1998 World Health Organization/International Society of Urologic Pathology classification of urothelial neoplasms: practical choices for patient care. The Journal of urology 2002. link64553-3) 8 Desai S, Lim SD, Jimenez RE, Chun T, Keane TE, McKenney JK et al.. Relationship of cytokeratin 20 and CD44 protein expression with WHO/ISUP grade in pTa and pT1 papillary urothelial neoplasia. Modern pathology : an official journal of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, Inc 2000. link 9 Segen JC, Mahadevia P. Heterotopic bone formation occurring near a ligated ureter. The Journal of urology 1986. link45540-6) 10 Lefleur RS, Ambos MA, Rothberg M. An unusual vascular impression on the renal pelvis. Urologic radiology 1979. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Laser technology in urologic oncology.Ragonese M, Dibitetto F, Bassi P, Pinto F Urologia (2022)
    2. [2]
      Health Policy and Advocacy.Rechtschaffen TH, Kapoor DA The Urologic clinics of North America (2021)
    3. [3]
      Pathology Imagebase-a reference image database for standardization of pathology.Egevad L, Cheville J, Evans AJ, Hörnblad J, Kench JG, Kristiansen G et al. Histopathology (2017)
    4. [4]
      Value of frozen sections in uropathology.Algaba F Analytical and quantitative cytopathology and histopathology (2015)
    5. [5]
    6. [6]
      Female urethral adenocarcinoma with a heterogeneous phenotype.Kuroda N, Shiotsu T, Ohara M, Hirouchi T, Mizuno K, Miyazaki E APMIS : acta pathologica, microbiologica, et immunologica Scandinavica (2006)
    7. [7]
    8. [8]
      Relationship of cytokeratin 20 and CD44 protein expression with WHO/ISUP grade in pTa and pT1 papillary urothelial neoplasia.Desai S, Lim SD, Jimenez RE, Chun T, Keane TE, McKenney JK et al. Modern pathology : an official journal of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, Inc (2000)
    9. [9]
      Heterotopic bone formation occurring near a ligated ureter.Segen JC, Mahadevia P The Journal of urology (1986)
    10. [10]
      An unusual vascular impression on the renal pelvis.Lefleur RS, Ambos MA, Rothberg M Urologic radiology (1979)

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