Can atypical cells be from inflamation and not a sign of cancer?

[4hope4]

Hi Dr.
I recently had a moderate amount of blood in my urine at that time Kidney Stones were suspected so I had two ct of the kidneys one with dye and one without it shows no kidney stones, but I had a calcification on my left Kidney they said it was pheblia or something like that, but not to worry, And that there was a small stone on the outside of the utera.  I went on to follow up with a urologist who then ordered a  test where a tube was put into my bladder to check for any problems, this came out normal and the repeat of the urine samples showed microscopic amount of blood in the urine. My urologist said he wanted to follow me over the next year and do urine test that were more in depth. I got a call today from the Dr. telling me the test showed rare amounts of atypical cells in the urine(he said rare meant few) should I be worried this is Cancer? Everything I’ve read on the internet shows it’s a sign of cancer or could be infection and or inflammation. Can you have atypical cells without it being cancer? Please respond, scared!

[4hope4]

Thank you so much for responding to my question! I don’t have anyone to talk to about this and I’m so nervous. I was able to talk to my urologist today and get some clarification on what was going on and he said I had a small kidney stone on my left kidney and the phelbia was actual on the outside of my ueris tube. I think that’s what he called it. He also told me the urine that came back showed very mild amounts of atypical cells and they just weren’t sure so a follow up was recommended. I took another urine sample in this morning it will take till next Wed or so to get the results. If all is well then I will follow up with urine samples every 3 months for A year if not he wants to repeat the procedure that was done a month ago and take some biopsies’, but he said like you it doesn’t mean I have cancer just because I have atypical cells. He also mentioned that there were no masses or suspicious spots on my ct or with the bladder scope.  My dr. told me not to worry at this time, but I can’t seem to help it. Can you get atypical cells from not drinking enough water? I m scattered with my questions and feelings….sorry for this! Thank you again for responding I truly appreciate you taking the time to advise me…

[Dr J Singh]

Hi,
The presence of atypical cells in the urine suggests the possibility of a cancer but may not always be the case and can definitely occur in other conditions like inflammation/infection which you have already mentioned. If there are no definite findings on the cystoscopic examination presently, then you’ll need to have a regular follow-up.
If the CT scans/cystoscopy is fine at the moment, I don’t think you need to worry much, however, the key is at least an annual follow up to see if it everything remains okay.
I sincerely hope that helps. Please do keep me posted. Warm Regards.