[Epidermoid carcinoma of the bladder].

Squamous carcinoma of the bladder is a rare tumour, little known in Western countries in contrast with the high incidence in the Middle East and East Africa. It has a sex-ratio of 1 and black populations appear to be preferentially affected. Several recent theories of carcinogenesis elucidate the pathophysiology of this tumour. Its risk factors essentially consist of urinary schistosomiasis and mechanical and chemical vesical irritant factors. The diagnosis of this cancer is often delayed, but can be facilitated by strict follow-up of high-risk patients. Prevention appears possible in these patients. Its prognosis, traditionally poor, essentially depends on tumour stage and grade. Treatment is surgical, essentially radical cystectomy, which has a real therapeutic efficacy. The respective roles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy are currently under evaluation.