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Abnormal Cytology
Posted by Mistersac on November 5, 2018 at 3:24 pmI have had 4 clean cystoscopy, including my last one on October 10th. I am now 2 years post diagnosis. After receiving the all clean, and booking my next check for 6 months I received a call from my uro that my urine drop showed no cancer cells. but was deemed abnormal, and I have to do another urine test in 6 weeks. Is this a sign of possible reacurrence. even with a clean cysto? How reliable are these urine cultures, given that they are analyzing pee from a cup.
Alan replied 6 years, 2 months ago 3 Members · 7 Replies -
7 Replies
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I don’t have the numbers however, cytology will often give false positives. You have done what you can do. As mentioned in other posts that blood can have many causes and in your situation the cause may NEVER be found. In the past 10 years I have had one abnormal cytology but, that was quickly dismissed once my URO saw the total report.
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.Well I gave an additional urine sample on Monday, and I am waiting on results. I guess if it is again abnormal I am looking at another cystoscopy in February. I am still unclear as to the importance of a cytology culture being abnormal without the appearance of cancer cells, and coming off of a clean cystoscopy. I guess it is my uro being vigilant, and that is a good thing, but it just adds to the stress factor especially having been clean for 2 years.
A clean scope probably clears you from bladder cancer. Abnormal cytology without atypical cells with red blood cells could be many things including nothing. Red blood cells could simply be an indicator of an infection, passed stone or irritation from all of your tests etc as Sara Anne has posted. Following up in 6 weeks is a good idea. Other tests could be done such as a CT Scan that reads to whole urinary system including the kidneys BUT, each test including that one always have possibilities of problems. Radiation is the biggest concern. Some people pass blood and NEVER find a reason/cause. It appears to me your URO is on top of things.
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.What is a more important indicator, a clean cystoscopy or an abnormal cytology? Would an abnormal cytology with red blood cells indicate a recurrence?
OK. To me that is GOOD news. Microscopic blood would not be unusual given your history. While is is disconcerting to have little “niggles” in your brain, I wouldn’t be too worried and your urologist will be checking again quite soon.
Sara Anne
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum ModeratorSara Anne I did ask, and my Uro said the sample contained some red blood cells, but no cancer cells. He wanted me to wait 6 weeks before another test, because he felt a break after the recent cysto which could produce irritation. I have had 4 clean cystoscopy since my initial diagnosis and this cysto was also clean.
Urine cytology is useful as a “hint” that something needs to be examined further. Not sure I understand what “no cancer cells. but was deemed abnormal” means! Some urine cytology tests are known for giving false positives, that is indicating the presence of cancer cells when there are none. Your urologist doesn’t seem overly concerned about this…six weeks? For your peace of mind I would suggest a call and request for a bit of additional information…exactly what looked abnormal?
Sara Anne
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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