How to Name Papillary Tumors of the Bladder in Children: Transitional Cell Carcinoma or Papillary Urothelial Neoplasm of Low Malignant Potential?

Urinary bladder malignancies are uncommon in children. Approximately 80 children with papillary carcinoma have been described to date, presenting as papillary neoplasms of both low grade and low stage. On the basis of the 1973 World Health Organization classification, tumors were classified as transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder (TCCB). Owing to more detailed histologic criteria, this term has been replaced by papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential and low-grade carcinoma of the urinary bladder in the World Health Organization-International Society of Urologic Pathology consensus classification system of urothelial neoplasms 2004. Nevertheless, TCCB still remains a common term in contemporary literature. Thus, the differences between papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential, low-grade carcinoma of the urinary bladder, and TCCB will be illustrated by means of 4 examples of pediatric patients with papillary tumors.