activation, whereas in the high grade tumours cancerogenesis depends on the changes or mutations of TP53 tumour suppressor gene and retinoblastoma (RB-1) gene pathway. The transition from the less aggressive tumour growth into a more anaplastic form of growth

Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men in the United States, after prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer and the 10th most common cancer in women [1]. From 1985-2000, the number of patients diagnosed annually with bladder cancer has increased by 33%. The recurrence rate for superficial transitional cell cancer of the bladder is high and as many as 80% of patients have at least one recurrence. Thus an annual cohort of 300,000– 400,000 patients with bladder cancer has been reported yearly in the United States, representing a major public health problem. The median age at diagnosis is 68 years, and the incidence increases with age. Up to 90% of those affected are over the age of 55 years and many of the patients are elderly. Carcinoma of the urinary bladder was significantly more common in men (ratio of 2.5:1). Blood group A is prevalent blood group in both male and female patients [2]. Urothelial carcinomas in young people are low grade and noninvasive, but even in younger patient a regular follow-up is recommended after surgery since the tumour may recur or become more malignant [3]. Due to the prolongation of human life one may expect an increased incidence and prevalence of bladder cancer in all parts of the world. Since bladder cancer detected in the early stages has a good chance of cure, awareness of the signs and symptoms of this malignancy are critical. Active search for bladder cancer in patients suspected of having this neoplasia is part of the preventive urinary tract medicine. Pathologist plays an important role in the early diagnosis of bladder cancer, which may depend on the cytopathologic or histopathologic findings. The planning of therapy and the prognosis of these tumours also depend on pathology findings, and pathologic staging is of crucial significance in this respect [4]. Finally, pathologists play an important role in teaching the basics of microscopic diagnosis to medical students, clinical trainees and other allied health professions which all participate in the treatment of patients with urinary bladder cancer [5].