Malignant Cell Cytology (Urine) Test

Cytology is the examination of cells from one’s body under the microscope. When it comes to urine cytology, your pathologist will examine the cells collected from your urine sample, to see if they look and function accordingly. With the help of this test, large and aggressive cancers can be detected, rather than the small ones. This test is completely different from that of a biopsy. Here, individual cells are taken into account, whereas, in the biopsy, a piece of tissue is examined, which contains many cell clusters.

This test requires you to provide your urine sample. The sample can be taken by the doctor while performing cystoscopy. You can also provide a clean catch urine sample in your doctor’s office or comfortably in your home. The laboratory will provide you a container if you choose the home option. You must let your doctor know about your medical history and all the medications you are currently under.

This helps identify any abnormalities in the cell. If the cells are normal and free of bacteria and yeast, the test will come back normal. If the bacteria and yeast are found in your urine, then you may be suffering from urinary tract infection. Your doctor will prescribe medications for the same. When the cells don’t appear normal, but cannot be confirmed if they are cancerous or precancerous, then the report will say suspicious or atypical. This test helps check the infection, inflammatory disease of your urinary tract, cancer, or precancer.

Cytology is the study of cells. To perform the cytology, your doctor will use a cystoscope, which is basically a thin tube fitted with a small camera towards the end. Firstly, your doctor will clean the area surrounding your urethra and use a topical gel to numb that area. Then the cystoscope is inserted into your urethra, till your bladder. This will make you experience some pressure and you will feel a need to urinate. The urine is then drained into a sterile container and then the catheter is removed. This procedure is not painful, and you will only experience a little discomfort.