- 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. A 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 then 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 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 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. 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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- 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
- Childbirth
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 may 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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|
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) in Women |
- What are the
causes of a UTI?
- What are the
symptoms of a UTI?
- How is a UTI
diagnosed?
- How is a UTI
treated?
- Infections in
Pregnancy
- Recurrent Urinary
Tract Infections in Women
- 1. What are
the causes of a UTI?
An infection
occurs when bacteria invades the urethra and start multiplying.
If the infection remains localized to the urethra, it is called
urethritis; if the bacteria enters and invades the bladder, the
ensuing infection is called cystitis. Finally, the infection
can travel up the ureters to involve one or both of the kidneys
and is called pyelonephritis.
In addition to
bacteria, other microorganisms can cause infections of the urinary
tract. The most frequently encountered are Myocoplasma and Chlamydia
that usually cause an infection of the urethra and/or the prostate
in men and/or the pelvic organs in women. They are usually sexually
transmitted and require treatment of both partners.
Normally, the
act of urination will
wash invading
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.
- 5. Infections
in Pregnancy
Urinary tract
infections in pregnant women require prompt treatment as the
infection can be serious - either for Mom or the baby. There
are antibiotics that can be used that are safe for both Mom and
baby.
- 6. Recurrent
Urinary Tract Infections in Women
Women are at
risk for developing recurrent urinary tract infections primarily
because of the short length of the urethra and the proximity
to the anus and vaginal areas. It is estimated that four out
of five who develop a urinary tract infections - usually cystitis
- will have another episode of urinary tract infections even
more often. Three or more infections per year usually require
evaluation by a urologist.
Women who have
recurrent urinary tract infections can take steps on their own
to avoid infection which include drinking plenty of water every
day and some medical professionals feel that drinking large quantities
of cranberry juice may be beneficial since it contains a substance
which inhibits the growth of bacteria. Also, the bladder should
be emptied when the need to urinate arises since holding the
urine may be harmful. Wiping with toilet tissue should be done
from front to back to keep bacteria away from the urethral area.
Showers should be taken instead of tub baths and cleansing the
genital area or taking a shower prior to sexual activity can
be helpful as well as emptying the bladder shortly before and
after sexual activity. Finally, douches and feminine hygiene
sprays as well as other related products should be avoided since
they can irritate the tissues of the genital area.
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