Urine cytology involves microscopic examination of cells in patient urine and is a standard in urologic practice. Bladder cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. Some 53,000 Americans are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year, and approximately 500,000 people are routinely monitored for the disease in the United States. The cancer is most common among people over the age of 50, smokers and workers exposed to chemicals in the rubber, leather tanning, metal and dye industries.
Bladder cancer is one of the most highly curable types of cancer, if detected early.
However, its recurrence rate is between 50 and 80 percent, making life-long monitoring an essential health maintenance component. Dr. Sarosdy is professor and chief of the urology division in the Health Science Center's department of surgery. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is one of 15 components in The University of Texas System.