Scanning electron microscopic features of human urinary bladder cancer

Area of Science:

• Uropathology
• Cell Biology
• Scanning Electron Microscopy

Background:

• Transitional cell carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer.
• Understanding the surface morphology of bladder tumor cells can aid in diagnosis and prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the surface features of luminal cells in transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder using scanning electron microscopy.
• To correlate observed surface patterns with tumor grade.

Main Methods:

• Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine biopsy samples from 17 patients with transitional cell carcinoma.
• Surface patterns and microvilli pleomorphism were evaluated and compared across different tumor grades.

Main Results:

• Pleomorphic microvilli were consistently observed on the luminal cells of all transitional cell carcinoma cases.
• Increased variability in cell surface patterns and microvilli pleomorphism correlated with higher tumor grades.
• Absence of pleomorphic microvilli in healthy bladder tissue biopsies.

Conclusions:

• Pleomorphic microvilli are a characteristic surface feature of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.
• The degree of microvilli pleomorphism and surface pattern variability may serve as indicators of tumor grade.
• Scanning electron microscopy can identify distinct cellular surface alterations in bladder cancer.