The cytologic diagnosis of low-grade transitional cell carcinoma.
Current theory suggests that transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) occurs as either of 2 disease processes, each of which has a distinct cytologic appearance and clinical course: low-grade and high-grade TCC. Urinary cytology has become a mainstay technique for monitoring disease recurrence in patients with TCC. Most cases of high-grade TCC can be diagnosed accurately in urinary cytology specimens. However, the cytologic diagnosis of low-grade TCC is difficult; these tumors exhibit subtle cytomorphologic alterations that are difficult to distinguish from benign or reactive processes. The cytologic criteria most useful for diagnosing low-grade TCC in urinary cytology specimens are reviewed. Additionally, the discussion includes some of the new ancillary tests that are emerging as possible diagnostic aids for the detection of low-grade urothelial neoplasms.
Hughes
J H
JH
Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City 52242, USA.
Raab
S S
SS
Cohen
M B
MB
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D003581:Cytodiagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007841:Latex Fixation Tests; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011934:Reagent Strips; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014571:Urologic Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D011934:Reagent Strips