Bladder



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THE UNREMARKABLE AND NONNEOPLASTIC BLADDER ANATOMY AND HISTOLOGY

The urinary bladder is a hollow viscus situated in the deep pelvis, which can expand to hold up to 500 mL of urine. Expansion of the bladder is permitted by interlacing bundles of smooth muscle and its multilayered urothelial lining which can fold into the bladder when empty. Urothelium is present throughout the urinary tract, starting from the renal pelvis, extending to the ureters, bladder, and terminating in the urethra, where it transitions to squamous epithelium. The general histology of these anatomic areas is similar, with a 5 to 7 cell layer-thick urothelium lined by umbrella cells. Beneath the urothelium lies the lamina propria, loose connective tissue containing numerous small lymphatics, and the wispy muscle fibers of the muscularis mucosae (Figures 2.1,2.2,2.3,2.4). Of note, the trigone muscle layer is derived from the bladder detrusor muscle and the ureter muscle and, therefore, lacks muscularis mucosae. The detrusor muscle, or muscularis propria, of the bladder is the deepest layer, containing thick fascicles of smooth muscle that interdigitate to allow for expansion and contraction of the bladder. The bladder is loosely encased in a layer of adipose tissue, the perivesical fat, which permits expansion as the bladder fills.1

The bladder is a roughly pyramid-shaped organ, with the point of the pyramid aligned inferiorly toward the urethra and the flat “dome” situated superiorly. The other anatomic regions of the bladder include the trigone, a flattened triangular area of urothelium located between the ureteral orifices and urethra on the posterior wall. The ureteral orifices, also denoted as the ureterovesical junctions, are located on the right and left sidewalls of the bladder, and the ureter courses through the muscularis propria within the bladder for some distance before emerging into the retroperitoneum and terminating in the renal pelvis.



THE NEAR-NORMAL BLADDER


von Brunn Nests

von Brunn nests (VBN) are rounded clusters of normal urothelium located within the lamina propria. They occur in both ureter and bladder. VBN represent downward invagination and budding of the urothelial surface and as such are a normal part of the urothelial mucosa. They are usually well circumscribed with focal attachment to the surface urothelium, depending on the plane of section. They tend to appear at roughly the same horizontal depth in the lamina propria, without irregular extension beyond that level.2 VBN proliferations are common in the ureter and should not be confused for a neoplasm in a small biopsy specimen (Figure 2.7). However, there is morphologic overlap with proliferation of VBN and superficial sampling of nested variant of urothelial carcinoma, which will be discussed later in the chapter (Figure 2.8). One should be especially cautious of diagnosing nested variant of urothelial carcinoma in the ureter because of the frequency of proliferation of VBN in this location.







Figure 2.1. Whole slide image of the bladder wall showing the different compartments of the bladder. The surface urothelium shows slight infolding in its empty, decompressed state. Immediately below the urothelium is the lamina propria, with loose edematous stroma and thin muscle bundles. The thick, intersecting muscles of the muscularis propria are located beneath the lamina propria. The perivesical fat is located at the deepest aspect of the bladder.






Figure 2.2. Low-power image of bladder wall showing benign urothelium, lamina propria, and muscularis propria. The lamina propria is comprised of loose, edematous stroma and vessels. In the lower right corner of the image, the muscularis propria shows thick muscle bundles, some of which are oriented perpendicular to the plane and others parallel.






Figure 2.3. Benign urothelium at high power shows the usual 5 to 7 cell thickness of the epithelial layer. The cytology of the urothelial cells shows open, pale chromatin with pinpoint nucleoli. The higher power image of the lamina propria shows large vessels and thin, wispy muscles characteristic of this compartment.






Figure 2.4. At high magnification, the urothelium shows a well-oriented 5 to 7 cell thick epithelial layer. Cytologically, rare nuclear grooves are present, a common finding in benign urothelium. Umbrella cells are located on the luminal surface and cover 2 to 3 cells each. These cells allow for expansion of the bladder while protecting the underlying lamina propria from urine. A large, gaping vessel is present in the lamina propria. These vessels are a useful landmark when deciding if small muscle bundles are in the lamina propria or the muscularis propria.








Figure 2.5. In the bladder wall, fat can be identified at any level. In this example, fat is present at multiple levels, including the lamina propria above the muscularis propria. Due to this possibility, it is not possible to definitively diagnose extravesical extension in a TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumor) specimen.






Figure 2.6. Visceral paraganglia are a normal finding in the bladder at the level of the muscularis propria. Paraganglia are composed of neuroendocrine and sustentacular cells and are arranged in small nodules. They are the origin of bladder paragangliomas when they arise as larger masses.






Figure 2.7. von Brunn nests are a common finding in both the bladder and ureter. These small bland nests of urothelium are located just beneath the urothelial surface and usually extend to the same depth and lack irregular downward growth.






Figure 2.8. Higher power image of von Brunn nests (VBN) from Figure 2.7 showing bland cytology, focal cystic change (top right of image). In small and superficial biopsy specimens, a proliferation of small urothelial nests such as this raises the differential diagnosis of VBN and small nested urothelial carcinoma. A diagnosis of “atypical urothelial proliferation” is warranted for these types of cases.







Figure 2.9. Squamous metaplasia is a reactive process often associated with chronic irritation from a catheter or infection. It manifests as a transformation from the usual urothelial lining to a squamous epithelium, which may or may not keratinize. In this case, it is nonkeratinizing.






Figure 2.10. Keratinizing squamous metaplasia is pictured here, with the superficial layer showing flaky keratin. These lesions are often white on cystoscopy, and the keratin debris may be apparent in urine cytology if collected.






Figure 2.11. Additional image of keratinizing squamous metaplasia showing detached keratin debris. Keratinizing squamous metaplasia carries an increased risk of development of carcinoma and should be specifically commented on when identified in a bladder biopsy.

Chronic irritation may lead to squamous metaplasia of the urothelium. The usual transitional type epithelium is replaced with squamous epithelium (Figure 2.9). Common causes include chronic urinary tract infections, chronic catheterization, and some specialized infections such as schistosomiasis. The metaplastic epithelium may be glycogenated (most commonly found in the trigone of the female bladder) or keratinizing. Keratinizing squamous metaplasia carries an increased risk of development of carcinoma, and its presence should be included in the final report (Figures 2.10 and 2.11).


BIOPSY AND TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF BLADDER TUMORS

Cystoscopically, the unremarkable bladder reveals a pink-tan smooth to mildly trabeculated surface without exophytic growths or marked erythema. Using ureteroscopy, the upper urothelial tract demonstrates similar white-tan flattened urothelium lining the ureters and renal pelvis.


Histologic evaluation of the bladder is achieved by the use of cold cup biopsy or TURBT. Cystoscopy is a procedure that fills the bladder with clear fluid and evaluates the mucosa using white- or blue-light flexible scopes, looking for mucosal irregularities or tumors.

Cystoscopy can be performed in the urologist’s office, without anesthesia, for surveillance of bladder cancer recurrence, initial workup of hematuria, or other lower urinary symptoms. During office-based flexible cystoscopy, cold cup biopsies may be obtained for evaluation of mucosal abnormalities. Specific cystoscopic findings include erythema, which may represent cystitis or urothelial carcinoma in situ (CIS), papillary neoplasms, or obvious invasive tumors. Some cystoscopic findings may suggest a high-grade tumor, such as necrosis or sessile growth pattern; however, histologic confirmation is necessary for final diagnosis. Blue-light cystoscopy is a recent technological advance where a light-sensitive substance (hexaminolevulinate) is instilled in the bladder prior to cystoscopy. Blue-light outperforms white-light cystoscopy in the detection of CIS and other high-risk lesions.3,4

Cold cup biopsies are subject to a number of artifactual distortions. When a large bite of tissue is present, you may have all layers of the bladder represented even in a small biopsy (Figure 2.12). However, these small biopsies often show significant crush artifact given the pincher-type forceps that are used. This can lead to difficulty assessing nuclear atypia for grading and displacing urothelial cells into the lamina propria, mimicking invasion. When possible, attempts should be made to identify intact, unperturbed urothelium for evaluation (Figure 2.13). Chronic inflammation, especially when crushed, can also mimic invasive disease (Figure 2.14). A simple pan-keratin stain can be used in this instance to rule out invasive carcinoma. With increased inflammation comes other changes in both the urothelium and the possibility of nonurothelial diagnoses; disrupted urothelial surfaces may harbor nephrogenic adenomas (Figure 2.15).







Figure 2.12. Cold cup biopsies can be obtained during office-based cystoscopy and may be used for initial screening of mucosal abnormalities. In this image, the biopsy is well oriented with a full urothelial surface represented and underlying lamina propria with a small amount of muscularis propria sampled.






Figure 2.13. A more representative example of cold cup biopsy with crush artifact at either end of the specimen. This biopsy shows mostly intact urothelium, which is satisfactory for evaluation. Focal areas of denudation may be procedure related or part of the pathologic process and should be interpreted with both possibilities in mind.







Figure 2.14. Cold cup biopsy with crush artifact and minimal urothelium present for evaluation. At low power, the left side of the specimen is predominantly lamina propria with chronic inflammation, which can mimic invasive disease. The finding of inflammation and urothelial disruption is a soft clue for the finding on the right side of the specimen—a nephrogenic adenoma.






Figure 2.15. Higher power image of the nephrogenic adenoma present in Figure 2.14. Multiple tubules are present in lamina propria and lining of both tubules and surface shows hobnail cytology. The tubules are lined with an amorphous pink basement membrane-like material.


Once a tumor is detected with cystoscopy and cold cup biopsy, a larger resection may be necessary for accurate staging of the tumor. A TURBT can be performed during cystoscopy under spinal or general anesthesia, as it requires longer procedure time and removal of deeper layers of the bladder wall. The general purpose of a TURBT is to remove all possible tumor burden, with sufficient sampling of muscle wall for accurate staging. The most critical element for staging is evaluation of muscularis propria invasion.

TURBT is performed using electrocautery, and therefore, a major artifact is thermal distortion of tissue (Figure 2.16). The urologist may start the resection with the current turned to a relatively high level, causing marked distortion and destruction of superficial tumor. Assigning histologic grade can be difficult in these cases, with low-grade or normal urothelium showing artifactual hyperchromasia, nuclear enlargement, and crowding (Figures 2.17 and 2.18). Ideally, the current is lower as the urologist performs the deeper part of the resection involving detrusor muscle; however, cautery at the deep aspect of tumors may lead to an inability to determine if a muscle bundle is detrusor or if tumor is present. In some cases, a cytokeratin stain may be useful to highlight cauterized tumor, and in some cases, adding desmin staining can highlight obscured large muscle bundles.







Figure 2.16. Unlike cold cup biopsies, TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumor) specimens are collected using electrocautery. As a result, thermal changes are evident in both the urothelium and surrounding tissue. In the urothelium, thermal artifact results in elongated cells with smudged cytoplasm and loss of distinct nuclear features. Caution is warranted when interpreting specimens with marked thermal artifact.






Figure 2.17. Another example of thermal artifact distorting urothelial tissue. In the top right corner, the tissue is almost unrecognizable and appears homogenized with no distinct nuclei remaining. The middle of the specimen shows some intact cells; however, the nuclear features are obscured by thermal artifact.






Figure 2.18. Thermal artifact has completely obscured this small fragment of urothelium. No definitive diagnosis can be rendered in cases with this degree of cautery.

A TURBT produces irregularly sized chips of tumor and bladder, which may be embedded tangentially and lead to artifacts. When a flat lesion is sectioned in a nonperpendicular plane, it may appear artifactually thickened (Figures 2.19,2.20,2.21,2.22). This could lead to an overdiagnosis of urothelial hyperplasia or potential confusion for CIS if through the basal layers. For papillary lesions, tangential sectioning can obscure the papillae entirely by obliquely sectioning one side of the fibrovascular core (Figures 2.23 and 2.24). In these cases, identifying other sectioned cores may help confirm the diagnosis of a papillary lesion. Tangential sectioning of an obvious papillary lesion may lead to confusion over assignment of histologic grade. Similar to the flat lesion that is sectioned through the basal layer, tangential sectioning of a papillary lesion may also result in the appearance of a higher-grade lesion. A pseudopapillary appearance can also occur in small biopsy specimens when the urothelial surface becomes detached and folds over on itself (Figures 2.25 and 2.26). A thorough search for definitive fibrovascular cores is critical before diagnosis of a papillary neoplasm.







Figure 2.19. Tangential sectioning can cause interpretive errors in small biopsies. In this cold cup biopsy, a small area of apparently thickened urothelium is present in the middle of the biopsy. At first glance, this may prompt a diagnosis of hyperplasia or atypia in a flat lesion.






Figure 2.20. At higher power, the thickened area of urothelium shows some minimal atypia with occasional larger cells present, particularly at the periphery of the lesion. Before considering a diagnosis of atypia, one may consider obtaining deeper levels to identify proper tissue orientation.






Figure 2.21. Deeper level of same specimen as Figure 2.19 showing the area of thickened urothelium now much thinner with better orientation of urothelial surface.






Figure 2.22. Higher power image of same area as Figure 2.20. Urothelium is thinner, and the few darker cells appear to be predominantly umbrella cells. Polarity is minimally altered, as compared with the artifactually jumbled in Figure 2.20. When possible, interpret the most well-oriented level of tissue available on the slide, or order recut levels if you have any suspicion that tangential sectioning is confounding interpretation.








Figure 2.23. Tangential sectioning is especially common in papillary lesions, where the fragmented nature of the lesion leads to embedding of papillary fronds both perpendicular and parallel to the plane of sectioning. In this image, the papillary nature of the lesion is evident from the numerous vessels present in the center of free-floating urothelial tissue, indicating fronds cut perpendicular to the long fibrovascular core.






Figure 2.24. Atypical urothelial cells surround numerous vessels in the lower left-hand area of the specimen, consistent with fibrovascular cores. A vessel cut in longitudinal/parallel orientation is present in the upper right corner of the specimen.

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging for urothelial cancer differs slightly depending on whether or not the lesion is flat or papillary.6 For flat lesions, a noninvasive in situ component is represented by CIS and is staged as pTis. A noninvasive papillary lesion, regardless of its cytologic grade, is staged as pTa. For tumors that invade the lamina propria, the staging is the same regardless of the architectural pattern of the tumor.








Figure 2.25. Unusual folding of the urothelium creates the illusion of a papillary fragment of tissue. In this image, the urothelial surface is detached and has folded over on itself to create the impression of a papillary frond. While there are red blood cells in the middle of the folded tissue, no definitive fibrovascular cores are identified. A papillary neoplasm should not be diagnosed without intact fibrovascular cores surrounded by urothelium.






Figure 2.26. Another example of pseudopapillary structure in a specimen where the urothelium is partly detached and tented above the lamina propria. The empty space below the urothelium lacks fibrovascular cores and is not a true papillary frond.


SURFACE LESIONS OF THE BLADDER

Surface lesions of the urothelium generally correspond to mucosal surface irregularities seen on cystoscopy, including erythema or a velvety, irregular mucosa. Urologists sample these mucosal changes by cold cup biopsy. Cold cup biopsies are ideal for initial evaluation of mucosal findings, because they can be done in the office without general anesthesia, unlike a TURBT. A downside to cold cup biopsy is the relatively small sample size, which is prone to tangential sectioning and potentially tissue exhaustion if the block is not leveled carefully during sectioning. Clinical findings that may prompt an office biopsy include hematuria, lower urinary tract symptoms, or recurrent urinary tract infections. Each of these clinical scenarios may contribute valuable information to your interpretation of the bladder biopsy, so a review of the cystoscopy procedure notes and clinic notes is critical to accurate diagnosis.


FLAT LESIONS OF THE BLADDER

Using the “Checklist: Approach to Bladder Biopsy or TURBT Specimen,” the first step is to scan the surface epithelium to detect changes in the thickness of the urothelium, overall architectural pattern, and assess for presence of atypia. If the urothelium is of normal thickness (5-7 cells), is predominantly flat, and lacks atypia at medium magnification (10×), this most likely represents a benign process (Figure 2.27). The cells are aligned in an orderly manner, with the long axis of nuclei oriented perpendicular to the interface with the lamina propria. An intact umbrella cell layer is useful, but can be seen in atypical and malignant processes as well. Cytologic findings in benign urothelium include dispersed chromatin and longitudinal grooves within the nucleus (Figure 2.28). Benign urothelial mucosa may be sampled due to equivocal cystoscopic findings or in an effort to map out areas of CIS in the bladder. Areas of increased vascularity or dense chronic inflammation may also contribute to an unusual cystoscopic appearance, leading the urologist to biopsy the area (Figure 2.29).


Chronic Cystitis

Chronic cystitis is a general clinical term to describe inflammation within the bladder manifested by lower urinary tract symptoms, including urinary frequency, painful urination, or hematuria. There is not always a direct correlation between the clinical impression of cystitis and the histologic appearance. However, histologic descriptive diagnoses in this category include follicular cystitis, interstitial cystitis, and polypoid cystitis.







Figure 2.27. This image of benign urothelium is useful as a reference demonstrating the usual 5 to 7 layer thickness, maintained cell polarity and intact umbrella layer. At scanning (10×) magnification, no atypical cells are evident.






Figure 2.28. The cytologic features of benign urothelium include abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and nuclei with open chromatin with occasional nuclear grooves.






Figure 2.29. Prominent vessels within the lamina propria are evident cystoscopically and may prompt the urologist to target a biopsy in that area. The overlying urothelium appears reactive, which may also have contributed to a roughened or erythematous appearance to the lesion.






Figure 2.30. Follicular cystitis shows well-formed lymphoid follicles in the lamina propria, leading to mucosal nodularity which can be seen cystoscopically. It is a nonspecific finding and can be caused by multiple inflammatory conditions.

Follicular cystitis is a form of chronic inflammation in which germinal centers have formed within the lamina propria (Figure 2.30). The histologic appearance is nonspecific, but may be related to chronic urinary tract infection or other inflammatory reaction to BCG or intravesical chemotherapy. Cystoscopically, a small mucosal bump may be seen representing the bulging of the urothelium over the well-formed germinal centers. Interstitial cystitis is a clinical diagnosis often made in older women with painful bladder symptoms. These symptoms may prompt cystoscopic evaluation, which can show erythematous, friable bladder mucosa. Unfortunately, there are no specific pathologic diagnostic criteria for interstitial cystitis, though clinicians often ask for a specific diagnosis in this entity (Figures 2.31 and 2.32). The histopathologic findings in these biopsies are not predictive of severity of disease.7,8 The “Hunner ulcer” is often ascribed to this entity, though it is not specific for interstitial cystitis. Cystoscopically, Hunner ulcer shows a heaped up nodule with small vessels radiating outward. When biopsied, the Hunner ulcer is usually wedge shaped, with punctate hemorrhage and surrounding granulation tissue. No topline diagnosis of interstitial cystitis should be rendered; rather, excluding a more serious condition of dysplasia, CIS, or malignancy and a description of the findings is appropriate.
Occasionally, clinicians may ask for a mast cell count as part of their workup for interstitial cystitis; however, no diagnostic cutoff for mast cell count exists, and their significance is uncertain (Figures 2.33 and 2.34).






Figure 2.31. Interstitial cystitis is a clinical diagnosis with nonspecific histopathologic appearance. The urothelium may show reactive atypia, and the lamina propria contain numerous vessels with surrounding edema and inflammatory cell infiltrate.






Figure 2.32. Medium-power image of Figure 2.31 showing increased chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate and vessels with overlying urothelium with reactive atypia.






Figure 2.33. At higher power, the chronic inflammatory cells are a mix of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and occasional mast cells.






Figure 2.34. Clinicians may ask for a count of mast cells as part of their diagnostic workup for interstitial cystitis; however, no diagnostic cutoff for mast cell count exists and their significance is uncertain.




Urothelium With Reactive Changes

Urothelium that either is thickened or demonstrates atypia at medium magnification should be closely examined for a more specific finding. First, reactive changes should be considered and the patient’s clinical history should be examined for potential causes, including urinary tract infection, stones, instrumentation or catheterization, and history of intravesical therapy or radiation. Clinical presentation includes lower urinary tract symptoms such as frequency, urgency, or dysuria. Cystoscopic findings demonstrate patches of erythema or roughened urothelium.


Characteristic cytologic features of reactive changes may also be helpful in confirming reactive changes. Reactive urothelial cells are only slightly enlarged with vesicular or dispersed chromatin and a central small, but prominent nucleolus, in contrast to the hyperchromatic nuclei of CIS (Figures 2.35 and 2.36). Mitotic figures can be frequent in reactive urothelium, often confined to the basal half of the urothelium. The presence of mitoses does not necessarily connote dysplasia or worse. The routine use of Ki-67 for the assessment of CIS in a specimen with other reactive changes may confuse the issue, as an increased proliferation index is common in reactive specimens.







Figure 2.35. Low-power image of reactive urothelium with mild reactive changes. Clues to the reactive nature of the process at low power include maintained polarity and lack of nuclear enlargement. The presence of edema and chronic inflammation within the lamina propria also indicates an inflammatory process.






Figure 2.36. At higher power, the cytologic features of reactive urothelium include single prominent nucleolus within dispersed chromatin background. Hyperchromasia and marked nuclear enlargement are absent, and in this example, mitotic figures are not appreciated.







Figure 2.37. Malakoplakia is a reactive inflammatory condition in which histiocytes are unable to fully phagocytose bacteria, especially Escherichia coli. The histologic findings include diffuse sheets of histiocytes and mixed inflammation within the lamina propria.






Figure 2.38. At higher power, on hematoxylin and eosin staining targetoid bodies are present within the cytoplasm of the histiocytes. These Michaelis-Gutmann bodies are comprised of undigested bacterial components.






Figure 2.39. von Kossa stain highlights the calcium-rich Michaelis-Gutmann bodies found in malakoplakia.






Figure 2.40. Granulomas occurring after TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumor) have a distinctive morphologic appearance. Centrally, there is bright eosinophilic material consistent with fibrinoid necrosis. Surrounding the amorphous material are palisading histiocytes.


Iatrogenic and Treatment-Related Cystitis

Iatrogenic causes of cystitis are frequently identified in bladder biopsies, due to the surveillance of many bladder tumors and repeat biopsies. In patients with high-grade urothelial cancer treated with intravesical therapy, BCG, mitomycin C, or gemcitabine may also induce specific changes in the bladder. Granulomatous inflammation is a common response to both prior biopsy and intravesical BCG. Subtle differences in the nature of the granulomas, in addition to good clinical history, can help distinguish between the two causes. Post-TURBT granulomas show central brightly eosinophilic amorphous material, consistent with fibrinoid necrosis, surrounded by palisading histiocytes (Figures 2.40 and 2.41).10 Foreign body-type giant cells are also a common finding after any surgical procedure (Figure 2.42). A prominent eosinophilic infiltrate is common after TURBT and does not connote allergic response (Figures 2.43 and 2.44). BCG granulomas are more consistent with the small epithelioid granulomas expected in tuberculosis infection, may be caseating or noncaseating, and may extend deep in the bladder wall.11 If these types of granulomas are observed in a patient without a history of BCG therapy, it is recommended that one perform stains
for acid-fast and fungal organisms. In a patient with prior BCG treatment, one should not perform acid-fast stains, as they may highlight nonpathogenic acid-fast bacilli and lead to confusion.12






Figure 2.41. At higher power, the palisading nature of the histiocytes in post-TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumor) granuloma is evident.






Figure 2.42. Any prior surgical procedure may result in foreign body giant cell reaction, including post-TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumor).






Figure 2.43. In addition to the classic post-TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumor) granuloma, giant cells and prominent eosinophilic infiltrate are common findings. Dense eosinophilia in this setting does not connote an allergic response or parasitic process.






Figure 2.44. Higher power image of numerous eosinophils present in a background of histiocytic inflammation occurring in a post-TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumor) granuloma.


Pseudocarcinomatous Urothelial Hyperplasia

A very specific reactive pattern may be observed in urothelium following radiation treatment or other ischemic insult. Pseudocarcinomatous urothelial hyperplasia (PCUH) classically occurs in the setting of pelvic radiation, but can be associated with any vascular insult, and may present clinically with hematuria.13,14 In addition to the clinical history of radiation, the key to the diagnosis is identifying hemorrhage, fibrin, and fibrin thrombi within the lamina propria and a regenerative appearance to the urothelium (Figures 2.45 and 2.46). PCUH shows atypical urothelial cells which may form small nests and appear to invade the lamina propria (Figures 2.47,2.48,2.49). The nests may show retraction artifact, suggestive of invasion.15 The urothelial nests occupy the superficial lamina propria and show minimal cytologic atypia with absent mitotic activity.







Figure 2.45. Pseudocarcinomatous urothelial hyperplasia (PCUH) occurs in the setting of radiation or ischemic changes in the bladder. At low power, the hallmark feature is hemorrhage and fibrin within the lamina propria.






Figure 2.46. At high power, the hemorrhage, extravasated blood cells and organizing fibrin, is evident in the lamina propria, along with scattered hemosiderin deposition.






Figure 2.47. In pseudocarcinomatous urothelial hyperplasia (PCUH), the overlying urothelium often has florid regenerative changes conferring some degree of atypia and may show an inverted growth pattern into lamina propria, suspicious for invasive carcinoma. The context of numerous vessels with hemorrhage and fibrin deposition is critical for accurate diagnosis.






Figure 2.48. Urothelium in pseudocarcinomatous urothelial hyperplasia (PCUH) often shows reactive-type changes, without high-grade atypia. The chromatin pattern is vesicular with a single nucleolus and mitotic figures are scarce. Scattered hemosiderin deposition is also present.








Figure 2.49. Small nests of urothelium present in the lamina propria give the impression of invasive carcinoma, leading to the term “pseudocarcinomatous.” The low-power impression of a reactive process and clinical history will help avoid an incorrect diagnosis in this setting.






Figure 2.50. Flat urothelial hyperplasia shows thickened urothelium with preserved maturation and relative preservation of polarization. No cytologic atypia or increased mitotic figures are acceptable in this entity.






Figure 2.51. Another example of flat urothelial hyperplasia showing well-oriented, but thickened, urothelium without atypia.






Figure 2.52. At higher power, urothelial hyperplasia shows urothelium of 16 to 20 cell layers thick. Cytologically, the cells have open, dispersed chromatin and small nucleoli without atypia or mitoses.


Flat Urothelial Hyperplasia

Significantly thickened, but flat urothelium with minimal atypia falls into the category of flat urothelial hyperplasia, or urothelial proliferation of uncertain malignant potential (UPUMP) (Figures 2.50 and 2.51). There are no specific symptoms associated with hyperplasia, and it is likely sampled as a subtle irregularity seen on cystoscopy for workup of hematuria or bladder cancer surveillance. In many cases, it is even more likely that it represents an artifact of tangential sectioning of normal urothelium. Flat urothelial hyperplasia may be associated or adjacent to low-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma and is a possible precursor lesion.16 Cells can show some mild loss of polarity, but maturation is preserved, and there should not be any cytologic atypia or mitotic figures identified (Figure 2.52).17 This diagnosis should be used sparingly, with more definitive diagnostic categories considered where possible.


Flat Urothelial Lesions With Significant Atypia or Dysplasia

Flat urothelium with atypia raises several diagnostic possibilities, largely dependent on the severity of atypia. If the atypia is significant, i.e., beyond that expected with reactive
changes, the spectrum of dysplasia includes atypia of unknown significance, urothelial dysplasia, and urothelial carcinoma in situ.






Figure 2.53. Atypia of uncertain significance (AUS) is a highly subjective category representing atypia beyond that expected from reactive changes, but falls short of a diagnosis of dysplasia. This diagnosis should be used sparingly and a more definitive, clinically actionable category assigned when possible.






Figure 2.54. In atypia of uncertain significance, scattered larger and darker nuclei are seen in the urothelium, without obvious inflammation or clinical history to explain the changes.






Figure 2.55. At high power, atypia of uncertain significance (AUS) shows scattered hyperchromatic cells and nuclear enlargement. Many of the cells in the background show relatively bland cytology, however.






Figure 2.56. Another example of atypia of uncertain significance (AUS) showing mild atypia with the majority of cells demonstrating bland cytologic features, with scattered hyperchromatic cells present along with some loss of polarity.


Atypia of Unknown Significance

When urothelial atypia beyond that expected from reactive changes is present, or no explanation for reactive-type atypia can be readily identified, the lowest level of atypia one can diagnose is atypia of unknown significance. This category was introduced into the ISUP/WHO consensus guidelines in 1998.18,19 The atypical cells may be slightly enlarged with some hyperchromasia and nuclear pleomorphism (Figures 2.53,2.54,2.55,2.56,2.57,2.58). This finding falls short of the diagnosis of dysplasia, but the atypia is concerning or unexplained by other causes (inflammation, instrumentation, stones, radiation, intravesical therapy, etc.). A diagnosis of atypia of unknown significance carries no established risk of adverse outcomes and in general is thought to be equivalent to a diagnosis of reactive atypia.20 Because of the lack of clinical significance for this diagnosis, every attempt should be made
to find a more concrete category for these minimal changes when possible. However, in rare cases, such terminology may be necessary to convey a lack of certainty regarding the pathologic findings. Numerous images are included as this diagnosis exists on a spectrum between reactive atypia and dysplasia, and significant subjectivity exists in the diagnosis (Figures 2.57 and 2.58).






Figure 2.57. Atypia of uncertain significance (AUS) exists on a spectrum with dysplasia, and this image shows a greater degree of atypia than the prior cases. There is significant nuclear enlargement in many of the cells as well as scattered hyperchromasia. These findings are nearing the dysplastic end of the spectrum and different pathologists may disagree on exact classification.






Figure 2.58. Higher power image of Figure 2.57 showing scattered atypical cells in a background of cells with open chromatin and rare nuclear grooves.






Figure 2.59. Urothelial dysplasia showing a greater degree of atypia, hyperchromasia, and loss of polarity than seen in atypia of uncertain significance. There are no specific diagnostic criteria for this category, but the finding should be reported and warrants clinical follow-up as there is an increased risk for carcinoma in situ (CIS).






Figure 2.60. Dysplastic urothelium showing hyperchromasia and disorganization, but lacking the nuclear enlargement and increased mitotic figures expected in carcinoma in situ (CIS). On the spectrum of urothelial atypia, dysplasia falls between atypia of uncertain significance and CIS.


Urothelial Dysplasia

Urothelial dysplasia is a histologic term describing flat urothelium with atypia that is beyond reactive changes, but which does not have significant cytologic or architectural disarray to reach a diagnosis of CIS (Figures 2.59 and 2.60).17 Unfortunately, because it lacks specific diagnostic criteria, this entity suffers from poor interobserver reliability and lacks good data on outcomes. Regardless, it is felt to represent a preneoplastic lesion, with some risk of developing CIS and warrants clinical follow-up.21



Urothelial Carcinoma In Situ

At the far end of the spectrum of atypia in flat urothelium, urothelial carcinoma in situ (CIS) shows high-grade cytology with enlarged hyperchromatic cells with obvious disorganization and frequent mitoses (Figures 2.61,2.62,2.63). The marked atypia and hyperchromasia in these cases is apparent at scanning power (10×), though more subtle findings may exist in the form of small cell CIS or CIS that is partially or predominantly denuded (Figure 2.64). The loss of orientation of the urothelium to the surface is also evident at low power, with a jumbled appearance and lack of even distribution of cells throughout the urothelium (Figures 2.65 and 2.66). CIS cells are dyscohesive and prone to denudation; identification and close evaluation of denuded urothelium may actually alert the astute pathologist to the possibility of CIS. Various morphologic appearances exist in CIS, including large cell with nuclear pleomorphism, large cell without nuclear pleomorphism, small cell, and clinging and pagetoid spreading type (Figures 2.67,2.68,2.69).22 It is important to note that an intact umbrella cell layer does not exclude the possibility of CIS, especially when present in the pagetoid form.



Immunohistochemistry for Urothelial Dysplasia/Carcinoma In Situ

In general, immunohistochemistry is not entirely robust for resolving the differential diagnosis between urothelial reactive changes and CIS; however, a number of potential markers have been studied for this purpose. The most commonly used antibodies include cytokeratin 20 (CK20), p53, and sometimes CD44.22,23,24 Other markers that have been studied or proposed include cytokeratin 5/6, p16, alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR), HER2, ProEx C, Ki67, among others.24,25,26,27,28,29






Figure 2.61. Urothelial carcinoma in situ (CIS) showing high-grade atypia, evident at scanning magnification. Hyperchromatic, enlarged nuclei with irregular nuclear membranes are present and the cells are focally dyscohesive.






Figure 2.62. Carcinoma in situ (CIS) at higher power illustrating the true hyperchromatic nature of the malignant cells. The chromatin is inky black, to the extent no specific chromatin pattern can be seen and nucleoli are obscured.







Figure 2.63. Nuclear enlargement is a diagnostic feature of carcinoma in situ (CIS). The largest malignant cell in this image is more than 5× the size of a resting lymphocyte present in the lamina propria.






Figure 2.64. Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is often dyscohesive, and only a few malignant cells may remain attached to the surface. Despite the paucity of cells, when they meet the other criteria for CIS (hyperchromasia, nuclear enlargement), it is still possible to call CIS in a scanty specimen.






Figure 2.65. Another low-power clue for carcinoma in situ (CIS) is an obvious lack of maturation and disorganization of the urothelium. At scanning magnification, there is no orderly arrangement of cells from the basal to the luminal surface.






Figure 2.66. Higher power of Figure 2.65 showing marked atypia, nuclear enlargement, and frequent mitotic figures in a disorganized, jumbled urothelium. The cellular dyscohesion is evident, as well as loss of the umbrella cell layer.

With regard to the most common markers, CK20 generally shows negative staining or weak, subset staining of the superficial cells only in benign or reactive epithelium, whereas full-thickness staining favors a neoplastic lesion. For CD44, a reactive pattern is full-thickness staining of the reactive epithelium, whereas reduced staining in the neoplastic cells is found with CIS. For p53, a heterogeneous pattern of variable weak to moderate staining (a wild-type pattern) would be consistent with normal or reactive epithelium, whereas diffuse strong staining (and possibly completely negative/“null” staining) would favor CIS (Figure 2.71, Table 2.1).30

However, these stains can be fraught with technical and interpretative challenges, such that in a given patient, the pattern may not be definitive. For example, a moderate degree of p53 staining can be difficult to discern from strong diffuse staining, depending on laboratory technical staining conditions. In one study of diagnostically difficult cases where immunohistochemistry was used, very few patients without a history of prior urothelial

neoplasm went on to develop urothelial carcinoma, suggesting that careful attention to morphology and clinical history is more important than an immunohistochemical staining pattern.23






Figure 2.67. Carcinoma in situ (CIS) can have varying morphologic appearances. This image demonstrates a small cell CIS with clinging pattern. Small, hyperchromatic, and dyscohesive cells “cling” to the lamina propria surface.






Figure 2.68. Higher power image of clinging nature of carcinoma in situ (CIS), where cells are detaching from the surface and focally denuded.






Figure 2.69. Carcinoma in situ (CIS) may spread in a pagetoid fashion, where individual or nests of malignant cells percolate through the benign urothelium.






Figure 2.70. This image of carcinoma in situ (CIS) shows the vast degree to which denudation can occur, illustrating the complete detachment of the urothelium from the underlying lamina propria. If the detachment had been more advanced, or a smaller biopsy was taken, it is possible the CIS cells would not have been sampled. Urine cytology can be extremely useful in the setting of denuded urothelium where there is a suspicion of CIS.








TABLE 2.1: Most Common Immunohistochemical Patterns for Distinction of CIS From Reactive Epithelium






















CIS


Reactive


CK20


Full thickness


Superficial (“umbrella”) cells only or negative


p53


Strong throughout all atypical cells


Variable weak to moderate (depends on laboratory techniques)


CD44


Decreased in atypical cells


Full thickness


CIS, carcinoma in situ.







Figure 2.71. In some cases, immunohistochemistry can help in cases with morphology that is equivocal for the diagnosis of CIS. A, shows an atypical urothelial proliferation with some evidence of maturation, but many hyperchromatic atypical cells (primarily on the left side of the image). B, CK20 staining is full thickness in the atypical urothelium, supporting a diagnosis of carcinoma in situ (CIS). Note that the normal urothelium on the right side of the image shows largely negative staining with faint staining in the umbrella cell layer. C, CD44 shows loss of full-thickness staining in the atypical proliferation, supporting a diagnosis of CIS. No normal urothelium is present in this image; however, the expected pattern of CD44 in normal urothelium is staining the full thickness of the urothelium (the opposite pattern of CK20). D, shows strong, diffuse nuclear staining for p53 in all atypical urothelial cells, again supporting a diagnosis of CIS. It is critical to remember that these stains can be fraught with technical and interpretative challenges, such that in a given patient, the pattern may not be definitive. hematoxylin and eosin morphology is key to accurate diagnosis of CIS.

In the absence of thermal injury from electrocautery, it is important to recognize that entirely denuded urothelium should not be diagnosed as benign, and a comment raising the possibility of a denuded CIS with the suggestion of obtaining urine cytology should be included (Figures 2.72,2.73,2.74).31,32








Figure 2.72. Another example of entirely denuded urothelium, raising suspicion for carcinoma in situ (CIS). Close inspection of the surface for rare atypical cells is warranted in these cases, along with suggestion to collect urine cytology.






Figure 2.73. Focally denuded urothelium with rare intact atypical urothelial cells.






Figure 2.74. At high power, the intact urothelial cells from Figure 2.73 show high-grade atypia with increased nuclear size and hyperchromasia, sufficient for a diagnosis of carcinoma in situ (CIS).






Figure 2.75. Carcinoma in situ (CIS) commonly involves von Brunn nests (VBN) and can be confused for invasive carcinoma. Because VBN represent downward growth of the surface urothelium, this represents extension of malignant cells in continuity with the surface, not invasive growth.



PAPILLARY LESIONS OF THE BLADDER—UROTHELIAL

Papillary lesions of the bladder are evident by exophytic papillary fronds, projecting into the lumen of the bladder and readily identified on cystoscopic evaluation. The cystoscopy procedure note is of paramount importance when diagnosing papillary lesions, especially if the histologic appearance is equivocal for true papillary architecture. A helpful urologist
will comment on the exact nature of the lesion, often using descriptors such as papillary, polypoid, sessile, low-grade appearing, etc. Their description can help confirm a histologic impression or prompt deeper levels on a specimen to identify a possible small papillary lesion when none is identified on initial sections.






Figure 2.76. Higher power image of carcinoma in situ (CIS) involving von Brunn nests (VBN) with rounded nests of tumor without retraction artifact or irregular contours. The CIS cells show greater atypia than expected in a normal VBN, with nuclear enlargement and hyperchromasia.






Figure 2.77. Whole slide image of a TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumor) fragment demonstrating the broad mucosal folds of polypoid cystitis.


Papillary/Polypoid Cystitis

Before discussion of true urothelial neoplasms, it is important to be aware of the benign mimickers of papillary neoplasms. A true papillary neoplasm is defined by the presence of true fibrovascular cores. Without well-formed papillae, all caution is warranted to avoid overdiagnosis of a neoplasm. Papillary/polypoid cystitis is one potential pitfall in this differential diagnosis.33 The classic appearance of polypoid cystitis is the presence of broad, edematous folds of urothelial mucosa and lamina propria (Figure 2.77). Unlike a true papillary neoplasm, there are no long, thin papillary projects with fibrovascular cores. The lamina propria is markedly edematous, often appearing as a cleared out space with the urothelium floating above (Figures 2.78 and 2.79). Inflammation is usually evident in both the lamina propria and within the urothelium (Figure 2.80). Given the inflammatory and reactive nature of these lesions, a clinical history of recent catheter use, indwelling catheter, or stones may be solicited from the medical record.








Figure 2.78. At low power, the broad folds and underlying edematous lamina propria are a distinct appearance from a true papillary neoplasm.






Figure 2.79. At higher power, polypoid cystitis shows only minimal reactive changes in the urothelium. The lamina propria is edematous and pale, bulging into the lumen of the bladder.






Figure 2.80. Within the lamina propria, a chronic inflammatory infiltrate is readily identifiable in most cases of polypoid cystitis.






Figure 2.81. In cases of long-standing polypoid cystitis, the broad mucosal folds can undergo fibrosis and become more papillary (smaller, less broad based) fronds. These changes should not be confused for a true papillary lesion. Note that the lamina propria edema and chronic inflammation are still prominent in this case.


Papillary Hyperplasia

Another quasi-papillary lesion to consider in this spectrum of lesions is papillary urothelial hyperplasia, also referred to as urothelial proliferation of uncertain malignant potential by the WHO. While this lesion lacks true fibrovascular cores, it may raise the possibility of a true neoplasm in small biopsy specimens. The diagnosis of papillary urothelial hyperplasia should be used only when limited folds or “tenting” of the urothelium are present. Papillary urothelial hyperplasia will show a wave-like periodicity to the mucosal folds, leading to a corrugated appearance of the urothelium (Figure 2.84). True fibrovascular cores are absent, though small capillary-sized vessels may be present at the tips of the folds. Papillary urothelial hyperplasia may represent a precursor lesion to low-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma and has been noted associated with established low-grade papillary carcinomas as a “shoulder” lesion (Figure 2.85).34,35 In biopsy settings, the diagnosis of papillary hyperplasia should be reserved for lesions not directly associated with low-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma.







Figure 2.82. At higher power, this polypoid/papillary cystitis frond lacks fibrovascular cores; instead, it shows contracted and fibrotic fronds with lamina propria edema and inflammation.






Figure 2.83. Another example of polypoid/papillary cystitis with lamina propria edema and chronic inflammation. While the papillary fronds are somewhat complex in this case, the overall impression is that of a reactive/inflammatory process.






Figure 2.84. A and B, show a scanning magnification of papillary hyperplasia with the wave-like periodicity or “corrugation” of the urothelial surface. No discrete papillary fronds have formed, although rarely a small vessel will begin to orient itself toward the tented urothelium. C and D, are higher power images of the lesions, highlighting the lack of fibrovascular cores. The overlying urothelium is of slightly increased thickness and displays only minimal atypia. Papillary hyperplasia may represent a precursor lesion to low-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma and has been noted associated with established low-grade papillary carcinomas as a “shoulder” lesion.







Figure 2.85. The urothelium of papillary hyperplasia shown at high power showing increased thickness and minimal atypia. Papillary hyperplasia may occur adjacent to low-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma (“shoulder” lesion) or unrelated to a papillary lesion. In small biopsy settings, the diagnosis should be reserved for lesions not directly associated with low-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma.


Benign Urothelial Papilloma

Now that we have discussed mimickers of papillary neoplasms, we can begin to address true papillary urothelial neoplasms. These lesions are exophytic lesions with true fibrovascular cores lined by urothelium (Figure 2.86). Referring again to the checklist, diagnosing papillary lesions of the bladder also begins with an assessment of the urothelial thickness. Once the papillary architecture has been identified, the thickness of the urothelium will help to focus the diagnostic possibilities. Papillary lesions with normal thickness urothelium that lacks atypia are considered benign urothelial papillomas. In addition to well-formed papillary cores, papillomas should have a urothelial lining that closely approximates that of normal flat benign urothelium, 5 to 7 cells thick and lacking atypia. At low power, urothelial papillomas often appear as pale eosinophilic to clear lesions, due to the small nuclei and ample cytoplasm that often has clearing (Figures 2.87 and 2.88). If stretched out flat, the urothelial lining of a papilloma looks the same as benign urothelium lining the bladder (Figure 2.89). The papillary fronds are usually very slender and long, a feature that may be remarked on in the cystoscopy note and lead the urologist to suggest a papilloma or “low-grade appearance.” Patients with benign papillomas are often younger than those diagnosed with papillary carcinoma, and rarely progress to higher grade disease.36,37

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May 16, 2021 | Posted by in PATHOLOGY & LABORATORY MEDICINE | Comments Off on Bladder

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