cytology positive

5 years 1 month ago #56746 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic cytology positive
Just one more comment The statistics would say that it’s most probable that your dad has noninvasive and probably low-grade bladder cancer . Removal of the tumors by TURB will give you a much better idea of what you are facing. That would be the time to address treatment vs no treatment.

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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5 years 1 month ago #56745 by sopranosgal
Replied by sopranosgal on topic cytology positive
Obviously the whole thing is upsetting. I'm very concerned about the whole procedure even though it is relatively minor. When You are dealing with a 92 year old man, even an otherwise healthy one, I wonder if it is better to just leave it. I know I'm crazy to think that way but God forbid it is an agressive cancer, I wouldn't want him to treat it. Quality of life is important. I don't know, my mind is all over the place so I can imagine what he is thinking. Thanks for your help and information.

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5 years 1 month ago #56744 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic cytology positive
What your dad's doc is proposing is a TURB (transurethral resection of the bladder.) This is done under general anesthetic...often as an outpatient procedure. With your dad's age it is likely that he may get to stay overnight. The urologist will remove as much of the growths as possible as well as some of the adjoining tissue and send these to the pathology lab for analysis. ONLY AFTER THE RESULTS FROM THE PATH LAB ARE BACK WILL HE KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THE DIAGNOSIS IS. With all his experience he will have a pretty good idea, but it will take the path report to determine if it is high or low grade or if it has spread into the adjacent tissue. These results will help define what, if any, treatment your father should receive. Your dad may have some residual discomfort for a few days, particularly if it is necessary for him to have a catheter.

This is a relatively minor procedure, as medical stuff goes, but your dad's age is a factor. He should do well.

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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5 years 1 month ago #56743 by sopranosgal
Replied by sopranosgal on topic cytology positive
So my dad's test was today. The doctor said he has 2 polyps/tumors. One large about 2 inches and one small (don't remember the size). He said that since my dad is an otherwise healthy 92 year old he should have them removed. He also said that since his urine test came back positive, he believes at least the larger one is cancerous. I don't really know what to think right now. :(

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5 years 2 months ago #56688 by sopranosgal
Replied by sopranosgal on topic cytology positive
Thank you so much Alan for your reply. No pat on the back needed....He's my dad and has always been there for me. I am trying to take one day at a time...not working...LOL...I just lost my mom 8 months ago and it's been so difficult especially for my dad. I hate seeing him have to go through anything but I know that is unrealistic. You did make me feel a little better though and I am grateful. In the meantime, I think I will try to stay off the internet and just end on the positive note you gave me until Monday. Thank you again.

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5 years 2 months ago - 5 years 2 months ago #56687 by Alan
Replied by Alan on topic cytology positive
Sopranosgal,

Welcome. First, pat yourself on the back by being active in your Dad's health! It is always encouraging to all that read this forum. It is simply the right thing to do especially at 92.

Cytology is a useful diagnostic tool when done in conjunction with other tests. Which usually include cystoscopy and usually a CT scan reading the torso. Cytology is famous for false positives, I have even had one among many over the years. To answer directly "if the cytology only shows positive if it is agressive and large" the answer is no! Not just false positives, there can be other causes of atypical cells, often times even if it cancer it can be low grade, it can be small. On the cystoscopy with your Dad being a male. Going through the prostate for the exam I describe the procedure as being uncomfortable as opposed to painful (some men disagree with me) just to prepare him. It is over in a few minutes and maybe he will have a few voids of soreness because of that. There are meds for that but most are not needed as any side effects are gone in a few hours.

The best advice I can give is simply take one day at a time! That is all one can control anyway and worrying just makes things worse...and I know that is easier said than done. Keep posting as you go as there are plenty of people here that have "been there and done that" to help. Even should this journey be bladder cancer it is beatable and treatable.

DX 5/6/2008 TAG3 papillary tumor .5 CM in size. 2 TURBS followed by 6 instillations of BCG weekly with a second round of 6 after a 6 week wait.

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