[Cytologic diagnosis of papillomas and cancer of the bladder]

Cystoscopy is the principal method in the diagnosis of bladder cancer and precancer, but though visual examination of the bladder cavity via a cystoscope is comparatively easy, early correct diagnosis is not always possible because of small volume of the bladder, urethral stricture, mucosal changes in the bladder. That is why so much attention is paid to the cytologic diagnosis of bladder conditions. To estimate the diagnostic value of the cytologic method for the recognition of bladder precancer states and cancer the authors have analyzed cytograms of 145 patients. Smears obtained by alcohol washing off were under study. Cytologic and cytochemical analysis of alcohol washings-off has proved to be a valuable extra method for the diagnosis of pretumor and tumor processes; along with cystoscopy and biopsy the cytologic method is recommended for wide practice, for its use will contribute to earlier detection of urologic conditions.