Had my cystoscopy and cytology on Dec 14th. Cysto was clear. I've been waiting for cytology results patiently. I communicate with my urologist by email through a "patient portal," and I'm never really sure if the replies are from him or his nurse. A week ago last Monday, I was told I'd get the results last week. Did not, but I assumed it was because of the holiday. This morning I emailed again asking about the results. A response came fairly quickly that said, "Cytology shows no cancer cells. The specimen was a bit scant, but I don't think that we need to repeat." I checked the portal and the pathology report had been posted, and read, "Final Diagnosis: Urine, Voided: -Negative for Malignancy, -Less than optimal due to scant cellularity.
Can someone tell me if this has ever happened to them, or explain it to me. I'm not sure what this means exactly. I'm not sure if I should push for a retest.
Thanks, Marie
Reply # - December 31, 2015, 05:07 PM
Hi Marie,
Hi Marie,
Sometimes there just aren't very many cells found in the fluid, and though the testing was negative, there wasn't much to test. As Dr. West has said about cytology results:
"The test of the fluid is more helpful when it's positive than when it's negative. When it's negative, that might be because there really isn't a more advanced cancer, or it may just be that there happen to be no cells detectable, but it really is advanced (this is what we'd call a false negative result)." -http://cancergrace.org/forums/index.php?topic=11181.msg91866#msg91866
There are times when a retest is necessary to get a more definitive answer.
JimC
Forum moderator
Reply # - January 5, 2016, 05:27 AM
Thanks you, Jim. My
Thanks you, Jim. My urologist told me yesterday that we could repeat the cytology test if it would make me feel better (he didn't seem to think it was necessary). I told him I wanted to retest. This may be a crazy question, but do you know how to increase urine cellularity? I'm wondering if maybe I drank too much coffee the morning of the test.... I did notice that my specimen that day was almost clear.
Thanks, Marie
Reply # - January 5, 2016, 12:44 PM
I think you answered your own
I think you answered your own question. However you don't want to dehydrate yourself, perhaps the first urine of the day could be tested. It's usually the most concentrated. You'd have to work that out with the lab though.