Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) Practice Exam

If a patient has urine cytology suspicious for urothelial carcinoma, when is the case reportable?

1. When symptoms are observed

2. If there is confirmation by positive pathology and/or by clinician diagnosis

3. Only if a biopsy is performed

4. At the time of initial cytology

The correct answer is: If there is confirmation by positive pathology and/or by clinician diagnosis

In the context of cancer registry reporting, a case is considered reportable when there's a confirmed diagnosis. In this specific scenario involving urine cytology that is suspicious for urothelial carcinoma, it is essential to establish a definitive diagnosis through positive pathology results or a clinical diagnosis made by a qualified medical professional. This ensures the accuracy and reliability of the cancer data collected. Symptoms alone do not warrant reportability, as they might not confirm disease presence without further diagnostic evidence. Similarly, while a biopsy provides critical diagnostic information, it is not the only method for establishing a definitive diagnosis. Therefore, reportability is contingent upon obtaining a positive diagnostic confirmation, either via pathology or through a clinician’s diagnosis, making this the correct response.