CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, Vol 10, 129-139, Copyright
© 1960 by American Cancer Society
Cytology of the Urinary Tract and Prostate
John F. Seybolt M.D.1
1 The Papanicolaou Cytology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Cornell University Medical College, New York, N. Y.
The cytologic examination of genitourinary specimens for the purpose of detecting malignant neoplasms is a valuable addition to the more conventional diagnostic methods. It lends itself well to the discovery of early lesions and of those lesions which are beyond the reach of cystoendoscopy. The microscopic evaluation of cytologic preparations should be made only by individuals whose training qualifies them for this specialized work. The proper collection of specimens also carries great importance if the full value of the cytologic method is to be realized. For example, it has been shown that, in general, urine specimens are inadequate for the cytologic study of the prostate; prostatic secretions obtained by massage give much more accurate results in the determination of the presence of prostatic malignancy. The clinician should know the limitations of the method and collaborate closely with the cytologist in acquiring the most suitable material for study and providing pertinent information which can contribute to accurate diagnosis. Since some non-malignant conditions may give rise to confusing cellular atypias, the presence of these disorders should be made known to the cytologist so that the issuing of false suspicious or false positive reports can be prevented.
It would probably be a mistake to assume that the currently used techniques for the collection and laboratory processing of cytologic specimens are the optimal procedures. Undoubtedly, further refinements will be developed which will enhance the usefulness of this diagnostic method and produce even higher degrees of accuracy in the detection of malignant neoplasms of the genitourinary tract.
