Search

Objective: In recent years, the importance of quality of life (QoL) in healthcare has increased significantly, particularly in the management of chronic diseases such as prostate cancer (PCa). We aimed to show the effects of functional outcomes of treatment options, such as retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP), radiotherapy (RT), and active surveillance, on QoL in patients with localized PCa. Methods: Questionnaires on demographic characteristics, QoL, urinary incontinence (UI) level, patients' knowledge of complications before treatment, and treatment of complications were completed. Patients diagnosed with PCa were divided into three groups: RRP, RT, and RRP combined with RT. Results: There was no statistical difference between the treatment groups in terms of QoL, Mini-mental test scores, age, body mass index, prostate-specific antigen level, Charlson index, and International Society of Urological Pathology grade score, but UI scores were lower in the RT group. The most important finding was that QoL was statistically higher in patients who were informed about UI and erectile dysfunction (ED) before treatment and in patients who were treated for UI or ED after treatment. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the choice of treatment (RRP, RT, or RRP combined with RT) does not significantly affect the overall QoL of patients with localized PCa. However, patient education about potential complications, such as ED and UI, followed by appropriate treatment appears to be crucial for improving QoL after treatment.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate path to follow in the cystoscopic follow-up of patients with suspicious urine cytology but negative malignancy findings on cystoscopy. Methods: Data of 829 patients with bladder cancer between 2012 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient data including age, gender, recurrence, progression, and urine cytology results were analyzed. Results: Approximately 65% of patients with suspicious urine cytology results had recurrence or progression of bladder cancer at subsequent follow-up. This highlights the importance of urine cytology as a screening tool and demonstrates its effectiveness as a diagnostic tool in detecting bladder cancer. However, it should be noted that even patients with suspicious urine cytology are at risk of developing bladder cancer in the future. Conclusion: Evaluation of suspicious urine cytology results is an important step in the early diagnosis of bladder cancer. Although the test has diagnostic accuracy, it should be clinically interpreted and used in conjunction with other investigations to determine the patient's cancer status.