THE CLINICAL AND FORENSIC ROLE OF CITOLOGY IN PTA AND PT1 BLADDER CANCER MONITORING. CASE STUDY REVISION FOR THE PERIOD 2008 - 2017

Introduction: The Authors describe the results of a retrospective study that analyzes importance of a proper bladder cancer monitoring, comparing the use of the different methods available, both in terms of diagnostic delay and in terms of legal medical repercussions. Materials and methods: Using the database of the Pathological Anatomy Department of the Modena Polyclinic, we have isolated a series of 238 patients with histological diagnosis of bladder urothelial carcinoma in pTa and pT1 stages with an observational minimum time interval after first diagnosis of at least 5 years. The observational statistical analysis of the data stored was made through a statistical software (SPSS report 11.00 USA). Results: The results of the present study show how cytological screening, performed constantly with urine tests during early-stage monitoring of bladder tumors, can be a valid tool for the timely diagnosis of tumor stage evolution. Indeed positivity of the cytological examination can direct to a rapid diagnostic and therapeutic re-planning. Conclusion: It would be desirable to standardize the best screening strategies about bladder cancer. With a correct standardization, a valid reference could be obtained both from a clinical point of view, and for a correct legal medical evaluation in term of diagnostic delay and, consequently, reduction in the chance of survival.