- What is Bladder Cancer?
- What are the signs
and symptoms of Bladder Cancer?
- How is Bladder Cancer
diagnosed?
- How is Bladder Cancer
treated?
- 1. What is Bladder
Cancer?
Bladder cancer
is the sixth most common cancer in the United States. It is cancer
of the bladder. The cancer may be only in the lining of the bladder,
or more extensive would be in the muscular wall of the bladder.
The most aggressive type of bladder cancer may grow through the
bladder wall and spread to nearby organs. Bladder cancer is more
common among whites and men and usually occurs among people in
their 60's.
There are a number
of risk factors that are attributed to bladder cancer. Here are
the most common risk factors:
- Smoking
- Industrial chemicals
- Chronic bladder
inflammation
- 2. What are
the signs & symptoms of Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer often doesn't produce signs
or symptoms in its early stages. The first warning sign is usually
blood in the urine. However, signs and symptoms of bladder cancer
may be:
- Blood in urine
- Pelvic Pain
- Frequent urination
- Sensation for
the need to urinate without results
- Slowing of the
urinary stream
These signs and
symptoms are the same as other diseases, so you should see your
physician.
- 3. How is Bladder
Cancer diagnosed?
The physician
will ask for a medical history and perform a physical exam. In
addition, a urine sample will be examined, and possibly sent
on to a laboratory for the testing of blood cells and cancer
cells. An intravenous pyelography (IVP) will be ordered, and
a cystoscopic procedure will be performed. The cystoscopy will
enable the urologist to look inside the bladder and perform a
biopsy.
- 4. How is Bladder
Cancer treated?
Treatment for
bladder cancer is dependent upon the degree of the cancer. For
very superficial cancer, i.e. just the lining of the bladder,
biological therapy would be used.
- Biological Therapy-
is a form of treatment that uses the body's natural ability to
fight cancer. Biological therapy may be used alone or after surgery
to help prevent the cancer from recurring. This treatment consists
of placing a solution into the bladder. The bladder is stimulates
the immune system. The medicine stays in the bladder for about
2 hours before the patient is allowed to empty their bladder.
The treatment is continued for approximately 6 weeks, once a
week.
- Surgery- There
are basically two types of surgery for bladder cancer. The less
extensive, is where the physician will burn away the cancer cells.
The patient will be done on an outpatient bases for the most
part, with anesthesia.
There is also
the surgery to remove the bladder called a Cystectomy. This surgery
may be done when the bladder cancer invades the muscle wall.
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
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|
Kidney Cancer "Renal Cell Carcinoma" |
- What is Kidney Cancer?
- What are the symptoms?
- How is Kidney Cancer
diagnosed?
- What are the treatments
for Kidney Cancer?
- 1. What is Kidney Cancer?
The majority
of kidney cancers are of the type known as renal cell carcinoma,
which are the "meat" of the kidney, rather than the
drainage system of the kidney. A number of the kidney cancers
have a heredity influence associated with diseases such as von
Hippel-Lindau, adult polycystic kidney disease, tuberous sclerosis
and a few others. Men are twice as likely to have kidney cancer
than women.
- 2. What are
the symptoms?
- Blood in urine
- Pain
- Mass
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Hypertension
- Varicocele (
Abnormal dilation of the veins of the spermatic cord)
- 3. How is Kidney
Cancer diagnosed?
The most common
way to diagnose kidney cancer is with contrast studies such as
intravenous pyelogram (IVP) and CT scans. The diagnosis can also
be made with a renal ultrasound. The MRI is a useful diagnostic
test that may also be used.
- 4. What are
the treatments for Kidney Cancer?
Treatment options
are almost exclusively surgical, the removal of the entire or
partially affected kidney.
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- What is Prostate Cancer?
- Who is at higher risk?
- What are the symptoms
of Prostate Cancer?
- Is early detection
important?
- How is Prostate Cancer
diagnosed?
- How is Prostate Cancer
treated?
- 1. What is Prostate
Cancer?
Prostate cancer
begins inside the prostate and may grow to involve the entire
gland and then spread outside the gland. Cancer of the prostate
is the second most common cancer in men, after skin cancer. It
is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men, after lung
cancer.
- 2. Who is at
higher risk?
Prostate cancer
is the most common type of cancer found in American men. Here
are some facts that may increase the risk of prostate cancer:
- Prostate cancer
is most likely to develop after the age of 55, with the highest
incidence after age 65.
- African-American
men have the highest rate of prostate cancer.
- Family history
(father, brother, uncle) of prostate cancer increase one's risk.
- Exposure to
cadmium in the workplace (welding, battery making, electroplating)
increases one's risk for prostate cancer.
The cause of
prostate cancer is unknown.
3. What are the
symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
In its earliest
stage, prostate cancer may produce no signs or symptoms. As the
tumor grows, certain signs or symptoms may be noticed, including:
- Difficulty starting
or stopping urinating
- Decreased strength
of urinary stream
- Dribbling at
the end of urination
- Painful or burning
urination
- Frequent urination,
especially at night
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in the
urine
- An inability
to urinate
- Continuing pain
in the lower back, pelvis, or upper thigh
- 4. Is early
detection important?
As with many
types of cancer, early detection and treatment of prostate cancer
increase the chance of a cure. The five-year survival rate for
prostate cancer patients whose cancers are discovered while in
a localized stage (cancer remains in a contained area of the
prostate) is 85%.
Cancer of the
prostate is often a slow-growing type of cancer. When it develops
very late in life, as is frequently the case, the impact of the
disease is often minimal. In fact, many men with prostate cancer
eventually die of causes unrelated to the prostate cancer itself.
- 5. How is Prostate
Cancer diagnosed?
The only
way to determine whether or not a suspicious lump or an elevated
prostate specific antigen (PSA) is associated with prostate cancer
is to microscopically examine a sample of tissue taken from the
prostate. This tissue sample may be removed by a needle placed
directly in the prostate gland. Laboratory tests and bone scans
may be useful in determining the extent of the disease.
- 6. How is Prostate
Cancer treated?
Treatment of
prostate cancer is highly individualized. Many factors must be
considered before a physician recommends a course of action.
These factors include the severity of the cancer; the patient's
general health and medical history; anticipated side effects
the patient may experience from various treatments; the patient's
age and expected life span.
Surgery:
Radical Prostatectomy-
This surgery is considered the preferred choice of therapy for
localized disease and in theory, if the cancer is completely
confined, then surgically removing the prostate should result
in a cure. There are limitations to surgery and its ability to
cure the patient of cancer, which are related to the severity
and aggressiveness of the cancer.
The side effects
of prostate removal are usually temporary, but in some cases
can be permanent. They may include impotence (The inability to
have or maintain an erection.) and urinary incontinence (The
inability to control urinary function.).
Brachytherapy/Seed
Implants- This is another surgical option for the treatment of
prostate cancer. A urologist works with an oncologist to implant
radioactive seeds into the prostate to stop or slow the growth
of cancer cells. This treatment is still considered experimental.
If your urologist
feels surgery is not the best option for your care, there are
alternative choices.
Non-Surgical
Therapies:
Radiation Therapy- Patients who elect to have some form of radiation
therapy which is intended to cure their prostate cancer should
have cancer that is confined to the prostate and/or the surrounding
tissues. So-called "definitive" radiation therapy is
delivered using an external beam of x-rays carefully directed
to the areas of the pelvis that includes the prostate.
Like surgery,
all forms of radiation therapy have complications including inflammation
of the bladder, rectum and intestines. In addition, many radiation
therapy patients have side effects like urinary and sexual problems.
Hormone Therapies-
This therapy is primarily used to treat patients who have prostate
cancer which is not confined to the prostate or a recurrence
of cancer. It is not curative. The intent of hormone therapy
is first to delay the progression of the cancer and second, increase
the patient's survival while improving his quality of life. There
are an increasing number of options available as methods for
implementing hormone therapy. These are as follows:
- The surgical
removal of the testes to prevent the production of testosterone.
- The use of various
hormonally active drugs called LHRH agonists. These drugs lower
the levels of testosterone in the bloodstream.
- The use of "antiandrogens"
to suppress the activity of a male hormone known as dihydrotestosterone.
- The use of other
techniques or drugs to suppress the hormones made by the adrenal
gland.
- The combined
use of LHRH agonists and antiandrogens.
- Use of hormonal
therapy prior to surgery or radiation therapy.
The important
factors in choosing a particular form of hormone therapy can
include the cost of the treatment, the effectiveness and safety
of the various treatment options, and the patient's quality of
life.
Cryotherapy:
This is an old technique that is having a come back due to the
advances in technical capability. Cryotherapy is a method of
freezing the prostate and other appropriate nearby tissues to
extremely low temperatures with liquid nitrogen. This technique
is designed to kill all prostate cancer tissue without having
to take the risks involved in carrying out surgery.
While cryotherapy
is certainly an interesting and potentially important addition
to the options which physicians can offer patients with prostate
cancer, it should still be considered an experimental technique
at this time, and used mostly as salvage treatment for recurrence.
The known side
effects of cryotherapy can include impotence, scarring of the
urethra and urinary system, and irritation of the bladder, the
urethra, the rectal wall and the genitalia. This last group of
side effects can include pain on urination, a burning sensation
during urination, frequent and unexpected urination, blood in
the urine, and swelling of the penis or the scrotum.
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- What is Testicular
Cancer?
- How is Testicular
Cancer diagnosed?
- How is Testicular
Cancer treated?
- 1. What is Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer
is cancer of the testes. Usually only one testicle is involved.
The risk factors associated with testicular cancer are as follows:
- Undescended
testicles in infants and young children.
- An identical
twin with testicular cancer or family history of testicular cancer.
- Atrophy of testicles
due to mumps or viral infection.
- 2. How is Testicular
Cancer diagnosed?
The best way
to diagnose testicular cancer is through self-examinations. The
first finding is usually a painless lump in or on the testis,
a hardness or enlargement of the testis. Less commonly there
is associated pain and tenderness. Upon seeing the urologist,
the urologist will usually order a testicular ultrasound.
- 3. How is Testicular
Cancer treated?
After the diagnosis
of a solid testicular mass has been made, the initial management
is to remove the testis and its associated cord, an orchiectomy.
Depending on the type of cancer cells that are present, other
therapies such as additional surgery, radiation therapy or possible
chemotherapy may be indicated.
Using a combination
of these therapies, testicular cancer has one of the highest
cure rates of all cancers. Cures from testicular cancer can even
be achieved in individuals who have had it spread into other
parts of the body.
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- What is Benign Prostatic
Hyperplasia (BPH)?
- What are the symptoms
of BPH?
- What are the causes
of BPH?
- How is BPH diagnosed?
- How is BPH treated?
- 1. What is Benign
Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
As men get older,
the prostate gland commonly enlarges. This enlargement is called
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Occasionally, this enlargement
may represent cancer but usually is related to a benign, non-cancerous,
growth. BPH is the most common benign tumor in men and is responsible
for some urinary symptoms in most men over the age of 50.
- 2. What are
the symptoms of BPH?
The symptoms
of BPH are as follows:
- Hesitancy upon
the start of urination
- Weak stream
while urinating
- The sensation
of not completely emptying the bladder
- Stopping and
starting while urinating
- Frequent urination
- Frequent nighttime
urination
- Urgency to urinate
- In extreme cases,
the inability to urinate at all
- 3. What are
the causes of BPH?
As men get older,
the prostate gland routinely enlarges and therefore can constrict
the passage of urine coming out of the bladder to the penis.
This may cause difficulty voiding and the other symptoms of BPH.
- 4. How is BPH
diagnosed?
Your physician
may ask you questions about how you void or to fill out a questionnaire
to help evaluate the severity of your symptoms. Some additional
tests may be ordered to see if you have an obstruction. A rectal
examination and a blood test to check for prostate cancer will
most likely be done on the initial visit to the urologist.
- 5. How is BPH
treated?
The urologist
will consider the best option for the individual patient. Medications
can be prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms of BPH. However,
there are surgical options for BPH.
The "standard"
treatment is the Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP).
This procedure has been done for years. It involves inserting
a scope into the urethra (the tube inside of the penis) and surgically
removing a portion of the obstructing prostate tissue.
In recent years,
several alternative surgical techniques have been developed which
employ laser, special tools or microwave therapies. The laser
procedure although effective in certain cases, is still not covered
by several insurance companies. With the laser therapy, the physician
uses a cystoscope to view the prostate. Then the laser tip is
inserted into the prostate to destroy a precise area of the enlarged
gland. The tissue that is destroyed is absorbed naturally by
the body, decreasing the symptoms of BPH. The microwave therapy
is a less effective alternative, but most insurance companies
are starting to pay for this therapy. It works about the same
as the laser, by increasing the temperature of the prostate to
destroy the enlarged gland. It is not as precise.
Individuals should not suffer with BPH. There are many options
available, and certainly each patient's needs may be met in choosing
one of the alternatives. It is important to be evaluated by an
urologist in order to make the right choice.
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- What is Epididymitis?
- What are the symptoms
of Epididymitis?
- How do you diagnosed
Epididymitis?
- How do you treat Epididymitis?
- 1. What is Epididymitis?
Epididymitis
is an inflammation or infection of the epididymis. The epididymis
is the structure of tubes that transport sperm from the testicle.
These tubes merge to form the vas deferens. The vas deferens
is the tube that is cut during a vasectomy to prevent pregnancy.
- 2. What are
the symptoms of Epididymitis?
Symptoms of Epididymitis
are:
- Discomfort in
the region of the testicle.
- Swelling
- Firmness
- 3. How do you
diagnose Epididymitis?
The physician
will do a testicular exam, and possibly a scrotal ultrasound.
- 4. How do you
treat Epididymitis?
Treatments for
epididymitis include antibiotic therapy, anti inflammatories
and scrotal support. In the cases of acute epididymitis, cold
therapy is recommended.
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- What is a Hydrocele?
- What are the symptoms
and causes of a Hydrocele?
- How do you treat a
Hydrocele?
- 1. What is a
Hydrocele?
A hydrocele occurs
when fluid fills the membrane covering the front and sides of
the testicle and epididymis in the scrotum. This is usually not
painful, but is often uncomfortable due to the increased size
of the scrotum. A hydrocele commonly affects one side of the
scrotum, but in some instances both sides may be affected.
- 2. What are
the symptoms and causes of a Hydrocele?
As mentioned,
a swollen scrotum is the first sign of a hydrocele, seldom associated
with pain. Possible causes of a hydrocele are: trauma to the
scrotal area, or inflammation or infection of the epididymis.
- 3. How do you
treat a Hydrocele?
Some hydroceles
do not need to be treated, as they will correct themselves or
remain unchanged. Indications for hydrocele repair include pain,
discomfort due to the size and/or location of the hydrocele.
The most common procedure is a surgical procedure under anesthesia
to correct the hydrocele. If surgery is not the best choice due
to health or other reasons, the hydrocele can be aspirated. Hydroceles
that are aspirated often re-occur.
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- What is Urinary
Incontinence?
- What are the
different types of Incontinence?
- How is Urinary
Incontinence diagnosed?
- How is Urinary
Incontinence treated?
1. What is
Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence
is the inability to stop the loss of urine. This is not "normal"
at any age beyond the toilet training stage. Loss of bladder
control is a common problem, shared by millions of Americans.
- 2. What are
the different types of Incontinence?
Urge Incontinence:
The inability to hold urine long enough to reach a toilet. There
is a strong and sudden urge to urinate followed by an involuntary
loss of urine. People who suffer from urge incontinence say the
need to void comes with little warning and may be present both
day and night.
Stress Incontinence:
The involuntary loss of urine during coughing, sneezing, laughing
or other physical activities. The amount of urine lost may vary
from dribbling to gushes of urine.
Factors associated
with stress incontinence include weak pelvic muscles due to:
- Lack of exercise
- Overweight
- Strain of continuous
coughing
- Injury to the
pelvic muscles
- Complications
of surgery involving the pelvic muscles or urethra
Overflow Incontinence:
The bladder is unable to empty completely. A relatively large
amount of urine is left in the bladder after urinating and may
"overflow" causing leakage.
- 3. How is Urinary
Incontinence diagnosed?
A thorough medical
history and a complete physical exam will be conducted by your
doctor. The doctor will need a detailed account from you to accurately
diagnosis your problem. The physician will order laboratory and
imaging tests. Further diagnostic testing may be done with Urodynamics
testing.
- 4. How is Urinary
Incontinence treated?
Treatment of
incontinence, non-invasive or surgical is dependent upon what
type of incontinence a patient has.
Non-invasive
Healthy bladder
habits: The following are steps that can be taken to add in proper
bladder function:
- Practice healthy
toilet habits. Try not to go to the toilet "just in case."
This may result in perpetuating the need to go to the bathroom
more frequently. Avoid straining when you are passing your urine.
Maintain healthy bowel habits. Constipation can adversely affect
your bladder.
- Maintain an
adequate fluid intake. Try to drink 6 - 8 glasses of fluid per
day. Do not drink large quantities of caffeine and alcohol.
- Try to maintain
an ideal body weight.
Bladder Training
Program: Bladder training can help individuals with the symptoms
of urgency and frequency. The idea behind a bladder-training
program is to gain control over your bladder. It involves a variety
of components, including maintaining a voiding diary to assess
baseline bladder habits and capacity. One technique applies delaying
exercises over a period of time. This is a program that works
best with regular meetings with a healthcare professional for
guidance and education.
Biofeedback &
Electrical Stimulation: This involves using a small vaginal or
anal probe that allows the patient to see that activity of their
pelvic muscles on a computer screen. The patient is then taught
to physically identify the pelvic muscles and methods to strengthen
and prolong their contractions. Low-grade electrical stimulation,
utilizing the same type of probe, may also be utilized to help
re-train the bladder.
Oral Medications:
Due to the different types of incontinence there are many medications
that can be prescribed to the patient. Medications can be used
in conjunction with other treatment options or by themselves.
These are often prescribed for urge incontinence.
Surgical
Surgical Procedures:
Varied types of procedures will be dependent upon the need of
the individual with incontinence. Some of the procedures restore
the bladder function by lifting the bladder neck and urethra
into its normal position. While other procedures create a seal
that stops the leaking of urine by injecting material into the
urethra. The urologist will determine the appropriate surgical
procedure. The following are some of the surgical procedures:
- Bladder Neck
Suspension
- Sling Procedure
- Retropubic Suspensions
- Contigen Treatments
- Carbon Treatments
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|
Impotence/Sexual Dysfunction |
- How does an erection
occur?
- What is Impotence/Sexual
Dysfunction?
- What can cause Impotence/Sexual
Dysfunction?
- How is Impotence/Sexual
Dysfunction evaluated?
- How is Impotence/Sexual
Dysfunction treated?
- 1. How does
an erection occur?
An erection is
an involuntary reaction in response to sexual, psychological
sensory and nerve stimulation. This stimulation causes a rapid
increase in the amount of blood flowing into the penis. An erection
occurs when blood becomes trapped. As the shaft of the penis
rapidly fills with blood, the penis becomes firm and elongated,
resulting in a successful erection.
- 2. What is Impotence/Sexual
Dysfunction?
Impotence/Sexual
Dysfunction refers to the inability to have or maintain a satisfactory
erections, or the inability to achieve successful sexual intercourse.
Impotence can be total or partial and it can affect men of different
age groups. Some of the symptoms of impotence are:
- Decreased sexual
drive
- Early loss of
erection
- Inability to
have a full erection
- Premature ejaculation
- 3. What can
cause Impotence/Sexual Dysfunction?
Impotence/Sexual
Dysfunction can be the result of medical, surgical, or psychological
factors. The medical problems include illnesses like:
- Alcohol or substance
abuse
- Arteriosclerosis
(hardening of the arteries)
- Diabetes
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Kidney Disease
- Neurological
Diseases
- Injuries or
Pelvic Fractures
Some medications
can cause impotence/sexual dysfunction. These drugs include:
- High Blood Pressure
Medications
- Depression Medications
The surgical
procedures that contribute to impotence/sexual dysfunction are:
- Removal of the
Prostate for cancer
- Colon surgeries
- Blood vessel
surgery
The psychological
causes may include:
- Marital Problems
- Mental Problems
- 4. How is Impotence/Sexual
Dysfunction evaluated?
The urologist
will need to obtain a complete history of the patient's problem
and information about previous operations, illnesses, injuries,
and medications. It is important to understand the patient's
development and social history. There may be some aspects of
a person's life that would be affecting their impotence/sexual
dysfunction. The physical examination of the penis and scrotal
area may help find physical underlying problems. In some cases,
blood tests, ultrasounds, and x-rays may be ordered.
5. How is Impotence/Sexual
Dysfunction treated?
The good news is that most men with impotence/sexual dysfunction
can have their sexual function restored with proper treatment.
There are many different treatments for impotence/sexual dysfunction.
They are as follows:
- Pills taken
orally: to help achieve an erection.
- Directly injected
medication into the penis: the patient can use a self injection
treatment to achieve an erection. These require the patient to
inject the drug directly into the penis. It is surprisingly almost
pain-free and well tolerated by patients.
- Inserted medication
into the penis: Medical urethral suppository is a newly developed
treatment that consists of a very small medicine pellet inserted
into the urethra (tube inside the penis).
- Hormone replacement
therapies: if the blood tests indicate there is a decrease in
testosterone then hormone treatment may help.
- Vacuum erection
device (VED): which is a mechanical device that allows for the
expansion of the penis using an external vacuum pump and then
when an erection is achieved, placement of a rubber ring at the
base of the penis to sustain the erection.
- Surgical procedure:
is to use implants that offers predictable erections using mechanical
methods. It requires a brief stay in the hospital.
- Sexual and Marital
counseling: is important for those individuals and couples where
an underlying emotional or relationship problem is a major contributor
to sexual problems.
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- What are Kidney
Stones?
- What can cause
Kidney Stones?
- How can Kidney
Stones be prevented?
- How are Kidney
Stones evaluated?
- How are Kidney
Stones treated?
- 1. What are
Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones
are abnormal collections of mineral salts which form in the kidney
and then can move down the ureter (tube connecting the kidneys
and the bladder) and into the bladder. The movement of the stone
can cause the following symptoms:
- Severe pain
in the mid to lower back
- Nausea &
vomiting
- Bloody urine.
- Fever
- 2. What can
cause Kidney Stones?
The causes of
kidney stones vary, men develop them twice as often as women.
If someone else in your family has or has had kidney stones,
then the likelihood to form stones is increased. Once a person
has their first kidney stone they have approximately a 50% chance
of developing another stone sometime later in life. A change
in diet may decrease the chance of forming stones, if diet was
a contributor to the formation of the stone originally.
- 3. How can Kidney
Stones be prevented?
The primary way
to prevent kidney stones is to drink plenty of fluids, ideally
water. Some types of foods may be eaten in moderation and may
decrease the chance of forming another stone, i.e. foods high
in calcium. (Totally avoiding calcium, even if the stones are
composed of calcium may do harm, since calcium is important in
the body's function.) There are medications that help prevent
the development of certain kidney stones. Catching the stone
so it may be analyzed for its composition is very helpful in
knowing how and what to do to prevent further stones.
- 4. How are Kidney
Stones evaluated?
When the symptoms
are suspicious for a kidney stone, tests are done to determine
if a stone is present. A urinalysis will be taken to look for
blood, crystals or infection. An intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
or CT Scan will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis of a kidney
stone, and also to check the location of the stone. If an individual
is allergic to iodine, an ultrasound of the kidney will be ordered.
- 5. How are Kidney
Stones treated?
The good news
is that the majority of stones do not require surgical intervention.
The most common way to treat stones that will not pass on their
own is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). ESWL is
an outpatient procedure performed under intravenous (IV) sedation,
using a high energy machine that delivers shock waves directed
by live X-ray to the stone, resulting in the stone breaking into
smaller pieces. These smaller pieces of the stone will pass into
the bladder, and the patient will pass the fragments when urinating.
About 20% of
the stones will not break into smaller pieces or will fail to
pass out of the patient, then surgery will be needed. The two
most common surgical interventions are:
- Ureteroscopy-
This procedure may be performed if the stone is located in the
ureter. An instrument, like a small telescope, is passed through
the urethra and bladder up to the stone. Then the urologist can
use a laser to break up the stone, a small wire "basket"
to grab and remove it, or other methods may be better suited
for the location and size of the stone. These procedures do require
anesthesia, and the patient is usually an outpatient at a hospital.
- Percutaneous
nephrolithotripsy- A surgical approach less commonly done, a
stone breaking laser instrument is passed directly into the kidney
through an incision and tube placed in the patient's back. This
is usually done for very large stones that can not be treated
in any other fashion. The patient is usually admitted into the
hospital and will stay 1-2 days depending on recovery.
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- What is Condyloma?
- What are the signs
and symptoms of Condyloma?
- How is Condyloma treated?
- 1. What is Condyloma?
Condyloma is
commonly called genital warts. It is a sexually transmitted disease
(STD). It is spread by skin to skin contact. Condylomas can be
found on the external or internal genital areas of men and women.
Some condylomas can be pre-cancerous or even cancerous, so it
is important to see a physician.
- 2. What are
the signs and symptoms of Condyloma?
Condylma may
not be apparent for 2-3 months or even longer after being infected
by the virus. Condyloma usually starts out as small bumps either
singularly or in a group and may have a "cauliflower"
look. Most of the time the individual will have no symptoms unless
the virus has been active without treatment for some time. The
most common symptoms if present are:
- Pain
- Itching
- Burning with
intercourse
If the condyloma
is in the anal area, there may be rectal bleeding and itching.
- 3. How is Condyloma
treated?
Condyloma can
only be treated, not cured. There are treatments that destroy
the majority of contaminated cells and decreases the rate of
recurrence. Some common treatments are as follows:
- Topical Solutions:
are often used on external condyloma as the first line of treatment.
- Surgical Procedures:
are used if the area failed to respond to the topical solutions
or if the warts are large. The condyloma can be removed by burning
or freezing the infected area, and is done as an outpatient procedure.
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- What is Peyronie's
disease?
- What are the signs
and symptoms of Peyronie's disease?
- How is Peyronie's disease
treated?
- 1. What is Peyronie's
disease?
Peyronie's disease is an unnatural curvature in the penis, most
noticeable during an erection. The disease may prevent a complete
erection due to the plaque or scar tissue that develops in the
penis. The curvature can cause painful erections and may be so
severe that intercourse is impossible.
- 2. What are
the signs and symptoms of Peyronie's disease?
The cause of
the plaque is unknown, but may develop due to a trauma to the
penis or in the groin area. Some of the symptoms of Peyronie's
disease are:
- Painful Erections
- Soft Erections
- Curvature in
the Penis
- Fibrous area
under the Skin of the Penis
Peyronie's disease
is not cancerous and is not sexually transmitted.
- 3. How is Peyronie's
disease treated?
There are many
options in treating Peyronie's disease depending on the severity
of the disease. In some cases, there is no need for treatment.
However, if the curvature becomes much worse, treatment may be
indicated. There are non-surgical and surgical treatments.
Non-surgical
- Oral medication
used to decrease the pain, soften and reduce the plaque.
- Medication is
injected directly into the plaque to soften and dissolve the
plaque.
Surgical
- Excision of
the plaque with repair by graft.
- Surgically shorten
the unaffected side of the penis, to straighten the penis.
- Penile prosthesis
may be implanted to straighten the penis and provides enough
rigidity for intercourse.
After treatment,
Peyronie's disease may return and may be a chronic problem. All
of the risks and complications should be taken into consideration
before a treatment is selected.
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- What is the Prostate?
- How can Prostate abnormalities
be detected?
- What are some common
Prostate abnormalities?
- 1. What is the
Prostate?
The prostate is a male sex gland that is important for reproduction
in that it produces the majority of ejaculate fluid. It is a
small walnut, shaped gland that is located above the rectum and
at the bottom of the bladder. The prostate surrounds the urethra
(the tube that carries urine from the bladder) like a doughnut,
at the point where the urethra connects to the bladder.
- 2. How can Prostate
abnormalities be detected?
A rectal examination
should be considered as part of the annual physical checkup for
men beginning at age 50. Unless there are factors that increase
the risk of cancer such as Afro-American, family history of prostate
cancer, then the rectal exam should start at age 40.
Next, men should
also have a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test. The PSA is
an effective tool available to physicians to help monitor the
prostate gland.
- 3. What are
some common Prostate abnormalities?
- Prostate Cancer
- BPH
- Prostatitis
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Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) |
The PSA test
has revolutionized the detection of prostate cancer and the monitoring
of the effects of treatment. It has enabled the medical community
to allow early detection of prostate cancer. However, prostate
cancer may be present in a person with a normal PSA. Therefore,
it should not be used as the sole method of prostate examination
but should be performed in combination with the digital rectal
examination.
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- What is Prostatitis?
- What are the symptoms
of Prostatitis?
- What are the causes
of Prostatitis?
- How is Prostatitis
diagnosed?
- How is Prostatitis
treated?
- 1. What is Prostatitis?
Prostatitis is
the inflammatory condition of the prostate gland.
- 2. What are
the symptoms of Prostatitis?
The patient may
show a variety of symptoms. They often include:
- Low back pain
- Burning upon
urination
- Frequent urination
- Urgent urination
- Pain deep in
the rectum or scrotal areas.
At times the
symptoms may also include joint and muscle aches, fever or pain
almost anywhere within the pelvis and scrotum. The symptoms may
be mild or may be overwhelming.
- 3. How is Prostatitis
diagnosed?
The urologist
will perform a digital rectal exam. This may reveal a very tender
prostate gland. Urine and/or prostate secretions may be examined.
- 4. How is Prostatitis
treated?
Prostatitis is
most commonly treated with antibiotics. Anti-inflammatory drugs
and sitz baths are often helpful. In very rare cases, surgery
can be done to remove part of the prostatic tissue.
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Testicular Self Examination |
Testicular self-exam
is an important part of a routine, health maintenance for men
and should be done once a month.
- Start by holding
your scrotum in the palm of your hands. Then feel one testicle.
Apply a small amount of pressure. Slowly roll it between your
fingers. Try to find hard, painless lumps.
- Now examine
your epididymis. This comma-shaped cord is found behind your
testicles. Its job is to store and transport sperm. Tender when
touched, it is the location of most non-cancerous problems.
- Continue by
examining the vas deferens, the sperm-carrying tube that runs
up from your epididymis. Normally, the vas deferens feels like
a firm, movable, smooth tube. Now repeat the exam on the other
side.
Most scrotal
or testicular masses are not cancer but if one feels an abnormality,
a consultation with a urologist should be made as soon as possible.
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- What is a Urethral
Stricture?
- What are the
signs and symptoms?
- How are Urethral
Strictures treated?
- 1. What is a
Urethral Stricture?
A urethral stricture
is a narrowing of the urethra. Urethral strictures are more common
in men. Some possible causes are: trauma in the pelvic area,
sexually transmitted diseases, tumors in the area, swelling or
scar tissue.
- 2. What are the signs and
symptoms?
- Slow stream
of urine
- Painful urination
- Difficulty urinating
- Blood in urine
- Abdominal pain
- Discharge
- 3. How are Urethral
Strictures treated?
Once the urologist
has diagnosed a urethral stricture, the stricture may need to
be dilated. This is accomplished by passing a urethral dilator
or possibly incising the stricture with a small blade using a
cystoscope. More severe cases my require open surgery. A dilation
may have to be repeated if the stricture re-occurs.
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Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) in Men |
- What are the causes
of a UTI?
- What are the symptoms
of a UTI?
- How is a UTI diagnosed?
- How is a UTI treated?
- 1. What are
the causes of a UTI?
An infection
occurs when bacteria enter the urethra and start multiplying.
If the infection stays within the urethra, it is called urethritis.
If the infection enters the bladder, the infection is called
cystitis. The infection will sometimes involve the prostate,
this is called prostatitis. Last, the infection can go into the
kidneys, this is called pyelonephritis. Also, other microorganisms
can cause infections. Some of these are sexually transmitted
and require treatment of both partners.
Normally, the
act of urination will wash the bacteria out of the urethra to
help prevent infections.
- 2. What are
the symptoms of a UTI?
- Frequent urination
- Urgency of urination
- Burning during
urination
- Pain in the
lower abdomen
- Pain in back
or side
- Frequent urination
at night
- Pelvic discomfort
The urine may
appear:
- Discolored
- Cloudy
- Brownish or
reddish
If the kidneys
are involved:
- High fever
- Overall bad
feeling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- 3. How is a
UTI diagnosed?
- A "Clean
Catch" or catheterized urine sample.
- 4. How is a
UTI treated?
Urinary tract
infections usually require treatment with antibiotics that are
often selected according to the sensitivity test done in the
office. Most UTI's are treated with short courses of antibiotics
usually only one to three days. However, some infections require
treatment for one to two weeks.
Treatment of
urinary tract infections involve not only an antibiotic but also
measures to alleviate the discomfort that may be caused by a
UTI. Warm tub baths or sitz baths can often be beneficial as
can heating pads. Avoidance of urinary tract irritants such as
caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods can also help alleviate some
of the symptoms.
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- What is a Varicocele?
- What are the signs
and symptoms of a Varicocele?
- How is a Varicocele
diagnosed?
- How is a Varicocele
treated?
- 1. What is a
Varicocele?
A varicocele
is the enlargement of the veins that drain the testicles. A left
varicocele is more common. A varicocele affects fertility due
to the decrease in circulation of blood in the testicular area.
- 2. What are
the signs and symptoms of a Varicocele?
Some varicoceles
may cause pain and/or the decrease in size of the testicle.
- 3. How is a
Varicocele diagnosed?
A varicocele
is usually diagnosed during an infertility work up.
- 4. How is a
Varicocele treated?
Once diagnosed,
a surgical procedure can be done to correct the problem. The
procedure may be needed because of the decreased size of the
testicle, infertility, or because of the size and discomfort
related to the varicocele. If the varicocele is the cause of
infertility, in many cases fertility will improve in a few months.
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- What is a Vasectomy?
- What to expect during
surgery?
- What to expect after
surgery?
- What are the possible
complications?
- Can a reversal of the
Vasectomy be performed?
- 1. What is a
Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is
the most effective means of permanent birth control. A vasectomy
does not affect the production of male hormones nor does it alter
sexual function. The vasectomy involves surgically cutting and
closing off or blocking the vas deferens (the tube that carries
sperm from the testicle). After the vasectomy, the testes continue
to produce sperm cells that are simply absorbed by the body.
- 2. What to expect
during surgery?
The urologist
will make one or two small openings into the scrotum. The vas
deferens will be cut and a section of the tube will be removed.
Even with the local anesthesia, the patient will experience a
tugging or pulling sensation in the scrotum or groin area. The
two ends of the vas deferens will be tied or cauterized; the
opening(s) will be closed with small sutures which will dissolve
on their own; and a surgical dressing will be applied to the
incision.
An athletic supporter or a brief type underwear should be worn
following surgery to immobilize the scrotum and minimize discomfort.
- 3. What to expect
after surgery?
The patient should
make arrangements to have a family member drive him home following
surgery. The patient may experience some discomfort within the
first 24 hours. If necessary, the urologist will prescribe pain
medication. The patient should avoid any heavy lifting or vigorous
exercise for 24-48 hours following surgery. To protect the incision,
do not bath or shower for the first 24 hours following surgery.
Sexual activity with birth control protection can be resumed
within one week.
After the vasectomy,
it is necessary to continue to use some form of birth control
until all stored sperm are cleared from your system. This usually
takes at least 8-10 weeks. Two separate semen specimens should
be taken to the urologist's office to confirm that the specimen's
are free from sperm.
- 4. What are
the possible complications?
No surgical procedure
is without risk. However, the majority of complications associated
with vasectomy are minor.
- Up to one week
following surgery: Internal bleeding in the scrotum which may
cause pain and swelling. There is always the risk of infection
after a surgical procedure. Swelling, redness, pus, or pain are
symptoms of a possible infection.
- Up to several
months following surgery: Sperm granuloma- which is a lump at
the site where the vas deferens is tied off. This will usually
disappear in time.
- Congestion-
this is caused by sperm within the epididymis which may cause
aching. This symptom usually disappears without treatment.
- Spontaneous
regrowth- although rare, spontaneous formation of a new vas deferens
through the scar tissue can occur. This is usually detected by
a post-operative semen test.
5. Can a
reversal of the Vasectomy be performed?
Although a vasectomy
should be considered a permanent surgical procedure, there is
a surgical procedure that can reverse a vasectomy. It is called
a "Vasovasostomy." A vasovasostomy involves surgical
reconnection of the vas deferens to re-establish the flow of
sperm. A patients are cautioned that fertility is not guaranteed.
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