Adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder: histologic, cytologic and ultrastructural features in a case

A case of primary adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder is presented, including the histologic, cytologic and ultrastructural studies. Cytologically, the diagnosis was substantiated by the presence of gland-like clusters of columnar epithelial cells and "signet-ring" cells. The neoplastic cells, whether single or in clusters, had large secretory vacuoles, hyperchromatic nuclei and prominent nucleoli. Ultrastructurally, the neoplastic cells appeared as rounded, distended structures, with markedly diminished surface microridges and plicae. In thin sections, the neoplastic cells showed a large cytoplasmic vacuole and an eccentric nucleus. An early diagnosis of primary bladder adenocarcinoma is of importance due to therapeutic and prognostic implications.