Cytology of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the urinary bladder

摘要

Dear Editor, Malignant urine cytology is usually associated with conventional urothelial carcinoma. Here we report a case of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) that was initially diagnosed by urine cytology and discuss the cytological differential diagnosis. A 75-year-old man presented with haemat-uria. There was a history of left nephrectomy for urolithiasis and he was radiologically examined for contralateral urolithiasis and any urinary tumours. Radiological examination showed no lithiasis, but a 3x3 cm mass at the right wall of the bladder was seen. At the same time a voided urine specimen was sent for cytological examination. The smears were moderately cellular. There were loosely arranged cell clusters and isolated single cells on a haemorrhagic and necrotic background containing lymphocytes, polymorphonuclear leucocytes and umbrella cells.