Initial Urine Cytology

4 years 6 months ago #58347 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic Initial Urine Cytology
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
The following user(s) said Thank You: Ariver1

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4 years 6 months ago #58346 by Ariver1
Replied by Ariver1 on topic Initial Urine Cytology
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.

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4 years 6 months ago #58344 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic Initial Urine Cytology
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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4 years 6 months ago #58343 by Ariver1
Initial Urine Cytology was created by Ariver1
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.

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