Cytology results question

Hi,

During a routine physical exam, it was found that I had trace blood in my urine, and a rbc of 8.  A urine cytology
was ordered, and this is what the results said:

"CYTOLOGIC INTERPRETATION:
URINE (VOIDED) THINPREP

ATYPICAL

Urothelial cells appearing in rare clusters, neutrophils and crystals are
present."

Since the cytology, another urine test shows that the rbc has returned to normal.

Could you please interpret the cytology results?  I have an appointment with a urologist in a couple weeks, but am anxious for more information.

Thank you.     Pam

[Ash Tewari, MD, M.Ch.]

Hi Pam,

Atypical cells can be due to inflammation or infection like cystitis, so you should not be worried at this moment.

As there was a trace of blood in urine and atypical urothelial cells on cytology, your urologist will probably recommend you for a cystoscopy to rule out Bladder Cancer. A repeat cystoscopy should also be done 3 months after the first one, even if the first one was normal. Additional test that can be done are CT Scan of Kidneys and Intravenous Pyelogram. There are also some urinary biomarkers for Bladder Cancer which you can discuss with your Urologist but they do not substitute cytoscopy.


Here are some questions, I would like to ask you.

Based on your username, I am guessing your age is 60yrs? Is that correct?

Is there any personal history of smoking?

Any Family history of cancers?

Did the Urine Test had leukocyte esterase positive anytime?

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely,

Ashutosh (Ash) K. Tewari, MD
www.cornellroboticprostate.org

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