Our results demonstrate that, because of the similarity of the cytological findings in the human and canine mammary gland tumours, it is possible to use the same cytological criteria applied in human pathology for the diagnosis of canine mammary gland tumours.

Specimens collected at ureterorenoscopy (biopsies for histology, barbotages for cytology and analysis of ploidy) proved to be relevant and useful. Barbotage cytology identified 91% of all cancers, a high rate compared to techniques used in other studies, and was also sensitive in detecting low-grade tumours. Barbotage cytology and biopsy histology were equally efficient in detecting cancer. The authors recommend that both barbotage and biopsy be performed in addition to complete ureterorenoscopy. Moreover, if there is no visible lesion, cytology is the only reliable option.

Both MCTU and URS are important tools in the diagnostic evaluation of UTUC although neither of those techniques achieves 100% accuracy. MCTU should be chosen as the radiographical method if there are no contraindications and URS should always be combined with focal cytology and biopsies of suspicious lesions. To enhance diagnostic precision both MCTU and URS with focal samples should be included in the diagnostic procedure. The present results add impact to current diagnostic guidelines.

PurposeThe aim of this prospective study was to identify the tumour characteristics that are associated with invasiveness and those that are relevant for disease-specific survival (DSS) in upper tract urothelial carcinoma, UTUC.MethodsFrom a prospective consecutive cohort of patients with suspicion of UTUC, those who were diagnosed with UTUC using URS prior to rNU between 2005 and 2012 were included. Tumour characteristics were analysed for prediction of invasiveness and association with DSS. Stages were categorised as superficial (pTa-1 and CIS only) or invasive (≥  pT2). Tumours were graded according to WHO 1999 classification. DSS was analysed regarding possible association with stage, grade, size, multifocality, location, ploidy and rate of proliferation. Associations were tested using Fisher’s exact test, Pearson Chi-square or Cox’s regression. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were constructed.ResultsForty-five consecutive patients were included, and 43 of them were included in the final analyses because their rNU specimens were available for reassessment. The only tumour characteristics that were significantly associated with stage were tumour grade (P < 0.001), DNA ploidy (P = 0.045) and rate of proliferation (P = 0.004). No association with stage was noted for size, multifocality or location. Grade, stage and rate of proliferation were associated with DSS.ConclusionsGrade, DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction were the only tumour characteristics associated with stage in our study. However, DNA ploidy was not associated with DSS. The prognostic factors that we identified were tumour grade, stage, and S-phase fraction.