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    Initial Urine Cytology

    Posted by Ariver1 on September 22, 2019 at 3:08 pm

    Start of Discussion
    0 of 0 replies June 2018
    Now

    What is your understanding of the cytology “diagnosis” on my Mom’s initial urine test below? She’s been referred to a urologist for an initial visit in a few days. I’m sure the biopsy will be the determiner of what the below actually means. Would a positive finding have been a possibility? Is this category below more hopeful or not?

    Cytology Final Cytologic Diagnosis:
    Bladder urine, cystoscope:
    Satisfactory for evaluation.
    SUSPICIOUS FOR MALIGNANCY
    Groups of atypical urothelial cells with hyperchromatic nuclei present,
    suspicious for urothelial carcinoma.
    Crystals present.

    sara.anne replied 5 years, 4 months ago 2 Members · 3 Replies
  • 3 Replies

  • sara.anne

    Member
    September 22, 2019 at 4:53 pm

    I think we should use your response as a motto for bladder patients:

    Take a deep breath and move forward to the next step

    That sums it up pretty well!!

    Sara Anne

    Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
    BCG; BCG maintenance
    Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
    Forum Moderator

  • Ariver1

    Member
    September 22, 2019 at 4:42 pm

    Thank you for your response. Since finding this forum, it’s so helpful to see the thoughtful replies that help one take a deep breath and move forward to the next step.

  • sara.anne

    Member
    September 22, 2019 at 4:03 pm

    First, urine cytology does not provide a real diagnosis, but indicates that further tests need to be done. Most tests for cancer cells in the urine are notorious for being super-sensitive….that is, they often indicate a malignancy when there is none. That is why the report says “suspicious” not malignant. And it is extremely important that your mom be referred to a urologist as her doctor has done.

    Nothing more can be determined from this report. The urologist will probably make an initial cystoscopic exam, where he will insert a tiny camera into the bladder and do a visual exam. If this confirms that there might be cancer present the next step is usually a similar exam, but under general anesthesia so that he can remove any suspicious spots and also take samples of the tissue to send to the pathologist. Only after the path report is back (and this can take up to a week or so) will a definitive diagnosis of no cancer or cancer, and what its characteristics may be.

    We will be wishing your mom the best

    Sara Anne

    Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
    BCG; BCG maintenance
    Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
    Forum Moderator

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