Nonkeratinised Squamous Metaplasia of the Urinary Bladder in Children: A Report of Case Experiences

BACKGROUND Squamous metaplasia refers to the pathological transformation of the urothelium leading to nonkeratinised stratified squamous metaplasia (N-KSM). OBJECTIVE To present our experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of N-KSM of the urinary bladder in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we present our experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of N-KSM of the urinary bladder in children aged from 5 to 17 years. From 2005 to 2013, metaplasia was diagnosed in 119 patients. The reasons behind visiting the hospital were nonspecific intense pain in the abdomen, recurrent urinary tract infections, and urination disorders. The most common symptoms of urinary bladder dysfunction were pollakiuria and difficulties in initiating micturition and retention of urine (reduced detrusor muscle activity). RESULTS In 20/119 patients (16.8%), metaplasia was incidentally diagnosed during cystoscopy performed for other causes. The changes characteristic for squamous metaplasia were diagnosed--in all these patients, a biopsy was performed. In all 119 patients, a squamous metaplasia was histopathologically diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS Squamous metaplasia of the urinary bladder mucosa occurs in children and adolescents. Symptomatic treatment is administered mainly to improve the patients' quality of life and disease prognosis.