Cytologic evaluation of low grade transitional cell carcinoma and instrument artifact in bladder washings.
OBJECTIVE
To identify key cytologic features for the separation of low grade transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs) from nonneoplastic lesions in bladder washings.


METHODS
The cytomorphologic features of 95 bladder washing specimens showing papillary fragments, which included 50 low grade TCCs and 45 nonneoplastic lesions, were reviewed retrospectively.


RESULTS
Bladder washings from low grade TCCs showed papillary and irregular groups of cells with ragged borders, cytoplasmic homogeneity and subtle nuclear changes, such as increased nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio and irregular nuclear border. Bladder washings after instrumentation from nonneoplastic lesions of the bladder showed cellular specimens with cohesive, ball-shaped and papillary clusters with smooth borders lined with a denser-staining cytoplasmic collar. Reactive urothelial cells often displayed loose aggregates with irregular borders but no cytoplasmic collar.


CONCLUSIONS
In bladder washing cytology, nuclear changes and cytoplasmic homogeneity play a major role in the diagnosis of carcinoma.
Chu
Young Chae
YC
Departments of Anatomical Pathology and Urology, Inha University Hospital, 7-206, 3rd Street, Shinheung-Dong, Choong-Gu, Inchon, Korea 400-103.
Han
Jee Young
JY
Han
Hye Seung
HS
Kim
Joon Mee
JM
Suh
Jun Kyu
JK
D016477:Artifacts; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000295:instrumentation; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000473:pathology; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*