For ages, humans have had to deal with a myriad of diseases and disorders of the body. Many of the times, the diseases have claimed millions of lives. Sometimes we are lucky to get a cure and other times not so lucky. One of these diseases that has plagued modern day human population is bladder and kidney cancer.
Although may people are familiar with the disease, few can tell what it is exactly. Cancer develops when our bodies cannot regulate cell division. Usually, when cells divide, the body has a mechanism to control the extent to which they do. When the mechanism fails, cells continue dividing, creating a lump of cells known as a tumour. Sometimes, the tumour spreads causing cancer.
Smoking is the single greatest risk factor for developing cancer on the kidney and bladder. It is responsible for more than half of all new cases of these diseases. In addition, chronic irritation from parasitic infections such as schistosomiasis, long-term exposure to certain drugs and industrial chemicals are risk factors. The diseases affect a significant proportion of the population.
Cancers of the bladder and the kidney is associated with several symptoms. However, the most common and one used for diagnosis is blood in the urine. Patients may also experience pain during the passage of urine or on the lower back on one side of the body. Some patients may also feel the urge to urinate frequently, especially at night. In other cases, the urge to urinate is accompanied by difficulties in doing so.
Appearance of blood in the urine is the signature symptom of these diseases. However, by this time, in most cases the tumour has spread to other body parts. Consequently, such patients may experience other symptoms depending on where the disease has spread. For example, if, on the liver, one may experience yellowing of the skin or if in the lungs, coughing and shortness of breath.
Diagnosis is usually by cystoscopy or a biopsy. A CT or X-ray may determine whether cancer has spread. If it remains on the bladders inner surface and grow and divide slowly, the risk of death is less than 5%. Such tumours may be removed completely during cystoscopy. Sometimes, a part or the whole organ may be removed. Other treatment options include radiation and chemotherapy.
To avert the risk of developing cancer of the bladder or kidney, there are several measures one can take. They include quitting smoking because it is the single most risky factor. Its also crucial to maintaining a healthy weight and keep active. Healthy eating including fruit and vegetables, fish and whole grain foods is also important.
There are no vaccines to prevent or drugs to cure tumours on the bladder and kidney. The risk of death after developing the disease is high. It is important to schedule regular visits to the doctor. Additionally, irresponsible behaviour such as smoking is high risk and needs to be stopped. Adoption of healthy habits such as eating whole foods and avoiding fatty foods is crucial.
Although may people are familiar with the disease, few can tell what it is exactly. Cancer develops when our bodies cannot regulate cell division. Usually, when cells divide, the body has a mechanism to control the extent to which they do. When the mechanism fails, cells continue dividing, creating a lump of cells known as a tumour. Sometimes, the tumour spreads causing cancer.
Smoking is the single greatest risk factor for developing cancer on the kidney and bladder. It is responsible for more than half of all new cases of these diseases. In addition, chronic irritation from parasitic infections such as schistosomiasis, long-term exposure to certain drugs and industrial chemicals are risk factors. The diseases affect a significant proportion of the population.
Cancers of the bladder and the kidney is associated with several symptoms. However, the most common and one used for diagnosis is blood in the urine. Patients may also experience pain during the passage of urine or on the lower back on one side of the body. Some patients may also feel the urge to urinate frequently, especially at night. In other cases, the urge to urinate is accompanied by difficulties in doing so.
Appearance of blood in the urine is the signature symptom of these diseases. However, by this time, in most cases the tumour has spread to other body parts. Consequently, such patients may experience other symptoms depending on where the disease has spread. For example, if, on the liver, one may experience yellowing of the skin or if in the lungs, coughing and shortness of breath.
Diagnosis is usually by cystoscopy or a biopsy. A CT or X-ray may determine whether cancer has spread. If it remains on the bladders inner surface and grow and divide slowly, the risk of death is less than 5%. Such tumours may be removed completely during cystoscopy. Sometimes, a part or the whole organ may be removed. Other treatment options include radiation and chemotherapy.
To avert the risk of developing cancer of the bladder or kidney, there are several measures one can take. They include quitting smoking because it is the single most risky factor. Its also crucial to maintaining a healthy weight and keep active. Healthy eating including fruit and vegetables, fish and whole grain foods is also important.
There are no vaccines to prevent or drugs to cure tumours on the bladder and kidney. The risk of death after developing the disease is high. It is important to schedule regular visits to the doctor. Additionally, irresponsible behaviour such as smoking is high risk and needs to be stopped. Adoption of healthy habits such as eating whole foods and avoiding fatty foods is crucial.
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