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Renal cell carcinoma is a common disease, and clear cell renal cell carcinoma is the most common histological type. Renal cell carcinoma has a tendency to infiltrate the venous system including the inferior vena cava and the right atrium of the heart. We present the cases of two patients with renal cell carcinoma with stage IV tumor thrombus according to the Mayo classification, who underwent surgery under transesophageal echocardiography guidance. Apart from standard imaging methods used in renal cancer with tumor thrombus reaching the right atrium of the heart, we consider transesophageal echocardiography to be a very useful tool in the diagnostic work-up, patient monitoring, and selection of appropriate surgical technique.

Objective: The aim of the study was to find tools to assess patient characteristics that would help in choosing between orthotopic neobladder and ileal conduit in patients undergoing radical cystectomy. An additional goal was to search for aids that improve preoperative counseling to support patients in the decision-making process. Methods: A systematic review of MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases was conducted, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement, in April 2024. Inclusion criteria were specified in PICO format. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full papers. Upon study selection, the results and conclusions from the studies were abstracted and quantitatively summarized in the results section of this article. Results: Seven articles, involving a total 834 patients, were included. One article described frailty, two reviewed cognitive status, one article described functional dexterity, one described personality, two articles reviewed patients' values and goals, and one article reviewed role of patient–physician dialogue in the context of choosing UD after RC. The reviewed articles identified tools and approaches that could be valuable in evaluating the suitability for continent urinary diversion (CUD) or incontinent urinary diversion (ICUD). Conclusions: This is the first systematic review that summarizes the new available methods of patient assessment which improve preoperative counseling and choosing the most suitable UD after RC. Efficient tools for this purpose are still missing, and further studies that will aid in creating a simple aid for patient selection are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Plasmacytoma is a rare plasma-cell neoplasm, which includes bone and extramedullary types. While most cases occur in the head and neck, our report presents an unusual case of extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) in the penis, emphasizing the diverse locations of this condition. Case Presentation: An 88-year-old man, post-hydrocelectomy, presented with a palpable penile mass causing urinary symptoms. CT scans revealed a tumor with extracapsular spread and potential urethral involvement. Biopsy confirmed lymphoma, later identified as extramedullary plasmacytoma. A follow-up whole-body CT scan was performed, revealing multiple areas of bone rarefaction of the dens of the axis. His diagnosis has been further specified as multiple myeloma. Treatment with lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone led to significant penile tumor reduction and improved voiding symptoms after three cycles. Conclusion: A rare case of primary EMP in the penis is reported, with only two documented cases of EMP in this location. The etiology of EMP remains unclear, possibly linked to chronic infection, irritation, or inflammation. EMP typically occurs in soft tissues, commonly in the head and neck, presenting as submucosal masses with symptoms in individuals aged 50–70. Diagnosis requires demonstrating monoclonal plasma cell infiltration and excluding multiple myeloma. While EMPs are often treated with radiotherapy, a patient with bone rarefaction suggestive of multiple myeloma requires first-line chemotherapy. This case highlights the importance of recognizing myeloma-defining events for appropriate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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