Screening of urine sample in persons with haematuria for atypical cells in diagnosing urinary tract malignancy

Background: Urine cytology is the most non-invasive technique used in diagnosis of urinary bladder cancers for early treatment and intervention. Aims: The present study was undertaken to study the role of urine cytology in evaluation of hematuric patients for diagnosing malignancy. Materials and Methods: 7000 fresh urine samples received over a period of 2 years at our hospital were included in the study. 2000 cases had hematuria and were examined under the microscope for atypical cells. Results: 500 cases (25%) out of 2000 hematuria cases had atypical cells. 120 cases (6%) had malignancy both on cystoscopy and cyto-pathologic examination. 150 cases (30%) were reactive in origin, because of instrumentation or foreign bodies. 1230 cases (61.5%) were negative for atypical cells/malignancy. Conclusions: Urine cytology as first line of investigation is of limited clinical value in patients with hematuria for detection of atypical cells and urinary bladder malignancies. Keywords: Atypical cells, Hematuria, Malignancy, Urine cytology