A retrospective evaluation of patients afflicted with tumours of the bladder shows that exfoliative cytology of the urinary sediment can be recommended for early diagnosis of latent tumours of the bladder, particularly of malignant papilloma and carcinoma; early  diagnosis of malignant degeneration of benign bladder papilloma; and early diagnosis of a recurrence of bladder tumour after a bladder operation. It is a simple method with  great diagnostic value both in the clinic and in urological practice