[Value of urinary cytology in the detection and surveillance of tumors of the urinary tract].

Analysis of 600 case-reports of urine cytology (micturitional samples in 597 cases and pyelo-ureteral brushings in 3) was in relation to 137 patients with carcinoma of urinary excretory pathways and 463 with various lesions representing the full range of urinary tract disease. Two conclusions can be drawn. First, urine cytology is a very effective means of surveillance of patients treated for carcinoma of urinary tract excretory pathways: until results are regularly negative the prognosis must be reserved whatever is found on cystoscopy or even in frozen biopsy specimens. Second, cytology is not valid for routine screening of these tumors: no case was detected on its results alone and false positives were numerous. The principal use for urine cytology is still the regular, prolonged surveillance of patients treated for bladder tumor.