Friday, September 11, 2015

Bladder And Kidney Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment

By Daphne Bowen


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.

Usually, it takes time for the blood to be noticed in the urine. By the time that happens, the tumour is in other tissues and organs in the body. As a result, the individual may have additional symptoms depending on where the disease has spread to. The patient may have jaundice is the disease has reached the liver, for example.

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.

There are various ways to reduce ones chances of developing cancer of the bladder and kidney. The first is to lead an active life through exercise. The second way is to eat healthy foods including fish, whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Also, quitting smoking is imperative since it is a high-risk factor.

Since we have not yet solved the mystery surrounding the cure and vaccines for tumours affecting the bladder and kidney, reducing the chances of developing them is imperative. Quit smoking and start eating healthy as well as exercising to ensure a long, healthy life.




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