Current urology reports
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The purpose of this review is to identify clinical risk factors for prostate cancer and to assess the utility and limitations of our current tools for prostate cancer screening. Prostate-specific antigen is the single most important factor for identifying men at increased risk of prostate cancer but is best assessed in the context of other clinical factors; increasing age, race, and family history are well-established risk factors for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. In addition to clinical risk calculators, novel tools such as multiparametric imaging, serum or urinary biomarkers, and genetic profiling show promise in improving prostate cancer diagnosis and characterization. Optimal use of existing and future tools will help alleviate the problems of overdiagnosis and overtreatment of low-risk prostate cancer without reversing the substantial mortality declines that have been achieved in the screening era.
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The spectrum of conditions affecting the penile skin is varied and ranges from simple, benign dermatoses to premalignant and malignant conditions. Recently, improved understanding of the aetiology and natural history of these conditions has shaped new treatment paradigms and a functional knowledge of dermatology, urology and genitourinary medicine is required to successfully diagnose and treat these men. In this article, we explore the common precancerous states that can lead to penile carcinoma and review the recent advances with regards to the molecular basis for these dermatoses and the treatments that may be most effective for these men.
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Current urology reports · Jun 2012
ReviewAnterior pelvic organ prolapse repair using synthetic mesh.
Since the U. S. ⋯ In this article, we review the biochemical basis for the use of synthetic mesh in prolapse repair as well as clinical results of anterior compartment prolapse repair with synthetic mesh. Finally, we discuss the FDA warning regarding mesh.
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Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques enable noninvasive assessment of renal function. Diffusion-weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, blood oxygen level-dependent MRI, magnetic resonance elastography, and arterial spin labeling are some of the emerging techniques that have potential to investigate renal function without the use of exogenous gadolinium contrast. This article discusses the principles of these techniques, as well as their possible applications and limitations. This will introduce the readers to these novel imaging tools, which appear to have promising futures.
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Current urology reports · Oct 2011
ReviewTransvaginal mesh for prolapse repair: what is all the controversy about?
The use of synthetic mesh for the management of pelvic organ prolapse has been embroiled in a contentious debate over the past decade, with only more partisanship among physicians strictly against its use versus those pelvic surgeons who believe it to be a useful tool in their armamentarium. At the heart of the controversy lies the concern, by its detractors, for complications related to mesh use outweighing the as yet not rigorously tested benefit of augmenting repairs with mesh. ⋯ The rising concern for complications, both simple and complex, will be addressed. This review aims to narrow the divide between physicians and to address their discordant beliefs by objectively reporting the most up-to-date data on biologic and synthetic mesh use in pelvic organ prolapse repair.