At the University Hospital, doctors diagnosed and successfully treated bladder leukoplakia in 25-year-old Nastia, who had spent several years unsuccessfully being treated for “cystitis”.
The young woman had suffered for almost four years from lower abdominal pain, frequent urges to urinate and marked discomfort. She repeatedly sought medical help and underwent courses of antibiotic therapy, but the symptoms kept returning.
Eventually, the patient was admitted to the Urology Department of the University Hospital. Urologist Sofiia Kulyk ordered further tests and performed a diagnostic cystoscopy, which makes it possible to examine the bladder lining from the inside. During the procedure, an area of altered mucosa was detected, characteristic of leukoplakia, and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis.
The patient underwent laser vaporisation and the affected areas of the bladder lining were removed. In addition, Nastia was diagnosed with an overactive bladder, for which she continues treatment as part of a multidisciplinary approach.
“I was relieved that they had finally found something that could be removed. The doctor explained that this could also have been the cause of the frequent recurrences. It was important for me to resolve this problem, also with a view to a future pregnancy,” Nastia says.
Doctors stress that bladder leukoplakia is a change in the mucous membrane that does not always require surgical intervention. If it does not cause symptoms, it can be monitored. However, in the presence of severe pain, burning, discomfort and frequent urges to urinate, detailed examination and individually tailored treatment are necessary.
Doctors warn that not every symptom resembling cystitis is linked to a bacterial infection. If tests do not confirm cystitis, and unpleasant sensations keep recurring, it is worth refraining from self-medicating with antibiotics and consulting a specialist to determine the exact cause and prescribe appropriate therapy.