[Voided urinary cytodiagnosis. Cyto-histologic comparison]

The authors report the results of a 4 year study of voided urinary cytology by cytocentrifugation. The findings were compared with those of histology. The sensitivity of the cytological diagnosis varies with the histological grade of the tumor. Grade 1 papillary tumors are not detectable with classical cytological criteria of malignancy. However they may be evoked if finer criteria are considered. Voided urinary cytology is efficient in the detection of grade 2 and grade 3 papillary tumors as well as dysplasia and in situ carcinoma in flat mucosa. The sensitivity of urinary voided cytology is remarkably improved by repeating the examination 3 successive times. This method detects tumors of the urinary bladder as well as those of the upper urinary tract. False positive results are possible, but may be avoided by knowing the clinical history and by repeated urinary cytology. Protocols are proposed for the diagnosis and follow-up of transitional cell tumors. Systematic screening of high risk subjects is also an important indication for voided urinary cytology, but we lack experience in this domain.