Urological Cancers
- Kidney Cancer:
What is Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, originates in the kidneys. It can develop in the small tubes within the kidneys, impacting their ability to filter and excrete waste.
Causes:
– Smoking
– Obesity
– Hypertension
– Family history of kidney cancer
– Certain genetic conditions
Symptoms:
– Blood in the urine
– Persistent back pain or flank pain
– Unexplained weight loss
– Fatigue
Treatment:
– Surgery (partial or complete kidney removal)
– Targeted therapy
– Immunotherapy
– Radiation therapy
- Bladder Cancer:
What is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer begins in the lining of the bladder and can extend into the muscular wall. It is often diagnosed at an early stage when treatment is more effective.
Causes:
– Smoking
– Occupational exposure to certain chemicals
– Chronic bladder inflammation
– Family history of bladder cancer
Symptoms:
– Blood in the urine (hematuria)
– Changes in bladder habits
– Pelvic pain
– Unexplained weight loss
Treatment:
– Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT)
– Intravesical therapy (for superficial tumors)
– Radical cystectomy (invasive cancers)
– Chemotherapy
– Immunotherapy
- Urethral Cancer:
What is Urethral Cancer?
Urethral cancer is a rare cancer that occurs in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. It can affect both men and women.
Causes:
– Chronic inflammation of the urethra
– History of urethral stricture
– HPV infection
– Smoking
Symptoms:
– Blood in the urine
– Frequent urination
– Pain or discomfort during urination
– Lump or mass in the urethra
Treatment:
– Surgery (urethrectomy)
– Radiation therapy
– Chemotherapy
– Immunotherapy
Early Detection and Prevention:
- Regular Check-ups:
– Routine medical check-ups can aid in early detection of urological cancers.
- Symptom Awareness:
– Understanding and recognizing symptoms can prompt early medical attention.
- Risk Reduction:
– Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including smoking cessation and maintaining a healthy weight, can reduce the risk of urological cancers.