March Is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month: Here's What You Need To Know

During the month of kidney awareness, let us all get to know the disease in detail to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Being aware of the condition will also help in identifying the symptoms at an early stage and getting timely, effective treatment.

WHAT IS KIDNEY CANCER?

It is a type of cancer that affects the normal functioning of the kidney when abnormal cells start growing and dividing in an unproportionate manner forming tumors. It is also known as renal cancer, and it’s the third most commonly occurring genitourinary cancer. It generally affects individuals above 40 years and is more predominant in men than women.

WHAT ARE ITS TYPES?

Renal cell carcinoma is a common type of kidney cancer that affects adults. It develops in the proximal renal tubes that help in the filtration process of the body. The other types are the transitional cell carcinoma that develops in the middle of the kidney and sarcoma that develops in the soft tissues of the organ.

Wilms tumor is a type of kidney cancer that develops in children and is treated differently from the adult type of kidney cancers.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The initial stages of kidney cancer show no signs. As the tumor grows in size, the below symptoms can be noticed:

• Blood in the urine
• Pain in the lower back or sides
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Anemia

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?

The exact cause of renal cancer is not known. But factors like smoking, obesity, increasing age, High blood pressure, treatment for kidney failure, and family history increase the risk of developing the condition among individuals. 

HOW IS THE CANCER DIAGNOSED?

Kidney Cancer can be diagnosed by health history, physical examination, and a series of tests. The tests include urine analysis, blood test, intravenous pyelogram(kind of X-ray), ultrasound, MRI, CT, renal arteriogram, and biopsy.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?

The treatment options depend on various factors like cancer stage, the spread of cancer, the kind of cancer, and the general health of the individual. Surgery is the primary treatment to remove the tumor and preserve the normal functioning of the kidney. There are two types of surgery, namely: nephrectomy that removes the entire kidney and partial nephrectomy that removes the tumor along with the partial kidney tissue.

The other noninvasive methods used to destroy the tumor are cryotherapy ( freezing tumor), radiofrequency ablation(heating tumor), arterial embolization (blocking the blood flow to the tumor). The other known methods are radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

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Blog Reviewed By: Dr.Muthu Veeramani 
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What are the five warning signs of testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer can occur in one or both testicles. These organs, which generate male hormones and sperms, are situated within the scrotum. It is the part of the male reproductive system; the scrotum is located underneath the penis, loose pouch of skin.

Although, it is the least concerned cancer, still in America, it is the most diagnosed type of cancer in males between the ages of 15 and 35. Therefore, it is extremely important for all males especially teenagers to middle-aged men to recognize the warning signs. Make it the point to get the checkup done or identify at home in April that is known for Testicular Cancer Awareness Month by the Testicular Cancer Society. Hence, all males need to learn to detect warning signs.

Detecting testicular cancer at an early stage will access a lot of treatment options, so it is very important to know how to detect testicular cancer for every male. Testicular cancer is considered to be highly curable, so it is very essential to know the warning signs. Here are the five most common signs to watch for:

1. A painless lump, swelling or enlargement of one or both testes
2. Pain or heaviness in the scrotum
3. A dull ache or pressure in the groin, abdomen or low back
4. A general feeling of malaise, including unexplained fatigue, fever, sweating, coughing, shortness of breath or mild chest pains
5. Headache and confusion

Early signs of puberty can indicate testicular cancer, such as accelerated voice deepening and the growth of facial and body hair.

At SUIIT Center, it is recommended that males should regularly self-examine their testicles that can be easy to notice any changes. Most testicular cancers can be found by their partner or by themselves; few are initially detected by physicians.

To execute self-examination, check both testicles one by one using both hands. Two fingers, index, and middle fingers need to be positioned underneath with the thumbs on the top. Then, gently roll the testicle between the thumbs to feel for any irregularities in its texture or surface.

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Blog Reviewed By: Dr.Muthu Veeramani 
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Eat Right To Break The Stones

If you are experiencing extreme pain in your abdomen or back, that comes and goes, again and again, you may be passing a kidney stone, solid mass made up of tiny crystals. There can be one or more stones in the kidneys. If left untreated, it can lead to severe infections and affect the functioning of your kidneys negatively.

What Causes Kidney stones?

Anyone can get a kidney stone. And some people are more likely than others to have them. When your urine contains too much of certain substances and not enough fluid, these substances can build up and stick together in your kidneys. These are known as kidney stones. More often, men get kidney stones than women do. 

Preventive Measures

The best way to prevent kidney stones is to keep you hydrated. Make sure you drink a minimum of 3.2 liters of water every day(drinks like tea and coffee also count). 

Diet Recommendations

Certain foods can increase the chances of developing kidney stones in people who are more likely to develop them. By limiting these foods in the diet can help you to prevent the development of kidney stones.  

Following are some suggestions on what to include and what not to include in your diet to avoid the formation of kidney stones:

• Drink plenty of water
• Add fresh lemon juice to your water
• Control your weight
• Calcium and oxalate-rich foods: Consuming foods that are higher in calcium and oxalate, such as spinach, milk-based products, cereal, bread, juices, yogurt with berries, etc. 
• Fruits and Vegetables: Adding Fruits and Vegetables in the diet can help you to prevent stone formation. However, Try to limit the consumption of high oxalate vegetables and fruits or be sure to eat them in combination with calcium-rich foods. Fruits rich in citric acid can help in preventing kidney stones.
• Eat A Moderate Amount of Protein: High protein intake can excrete more calcium. This can increase the formation of kidney stones. Limiting animal protein and encouraging plant-based protein can prevent kidney stones.

Foods To Limit Kidney Stones:

• Avoid fizzy drinks
• Do not overeat salt
• Avoid high doses of vitamin C supplements

The deficiency of fluid, especially water, is the primary reason for the formation of kidney stones. If you had kidney stones in the past, you are more likely to get them again. The type of kidney stone may vary in each person. Calcium and oxalate are the most common types of kidney stones. If you have kidney stones, your doctor can help you to prepare an eating plan to prevent kidney stones.

Visit Us: siiut.com
Blog Reviewed By: Dr.Muthu Veeramani 
Mail Us: urologyhospital123@gmail.com
Book an appointment: siiut.com/book-appointment