[Adenocarcinoma of the bladder (author's transl)].

During a 10 year follow-up, 18 patients with primary adenocarcinoma of the bladder or urachus were treated operatively. We report on the therapy and results. The criteria for differentiation between primary adenocarcinoma of the bladder and urachal carcinoma are stressed. Chronic irritation of the urothelium is most likely involved in the natural histroy of primary adenocarcinoma. Cystectomy should be the therapy of choice for the adenocarcinoma of the bladder. A partial resection is recommended for urachal carcinoma. Palliation is possible with cytotoxic agents. Irradiation seems to be of no beneficial effect on tumor growth.