Browsemedic - Online HealthCare Information

Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones

Commonly kidney stones are formed when the urine is too concentrated. Crystals separate from the urine and build up on the inner surface of the kidneys. Over time this develops into kidney stones. Kidney stones are often heriditary. Kidney stones are often the result of kidney disorders or UTI or hyperparathyroidism. Gout and excess intake of Vitamin D can also lead to the formation of kidney stones.

Kidney stones can range from small granular ones to smooth larger stones. Usually they appear yellow or brown. Kidney stones are of different types. Calcium stones are the most common kidney stones. They are caused due to excess calcium. An infection stone or struvite stone is caused due to urinary tract infection. It contains the mineral magnesium and ammonia. This type of kidney stone is mostly seen in women. Uric acid kidney stones are formed when there is too much acid in the urine.

Extreme pain is often one of the first symptoms of kidney stones. The stone blocks the urinary tract and leads to blockage of urine. The patient suffering from kidney stone suffers sharp pain in the back or lower abdomen. The pain is also felt in the groin region. Vomiting and nausea may be present. There might be burning sensation during urination. There might be frequent urge to urinate. Urine might be cloudy or bloody.

Abdominal x-rays or ultrsound detect kidney stones. The physician gets information on the size and location of the kidney stone. Blood tests and urine tests aid in detecting any abnormality that can trigger formation of kidney stones. Spiral CT scan is used to detect kidney stones. A patient suffering kidney stones is asked to drink plenty of water and fluids. In some cases, the stone passes through while in others it gets stuck either in the ureter, urethra or bladder.

Kidney stones are surgically removed with tunnel surgery using a nephroscope. The kidney stones are often broken into smaller stones so as to allow them to pass through the urine. This can be done with shock waves. A kidney stone lodged in the ureter can be removed with a ureteroscope. Kidney stones formed due to parathyroidism necessitate treatment of the thyroid.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is generally noticed in people over the age of 50. Quite often it is curable especially when it is found superficially on the surface of the bladder. At its more invasive and deeper stage, Bladder Cancer can be fatal. More instances of bladder cancer have been found in smokers, in particular those who have worked with PCB plastics or commercial dye industry.

This cancer occurs almost uniformly within the transitional cells of the bladder (the type of cell which lines the bladder wall). Transitional cell cancer is also found in the kidney and the ureter (the tube which connects the kidney to the bladder) although with much less frequency.

A urinalysis that shows an increased number of white blood cells without evidence of bacterial infection can lead to suspicion of bladder cancer. Urinalysis may also be remarkable for microscopic haematuria (blood in minute quantities). A cystoscopy allows the Urologist to look inside the bladder. This procedure is done under I.V. sedation or general anaesthesia. Cancer is detected with a biopsy or tissue sample. This is where a Pathologist can help in determining the extent of invasion of the cancer.

Chemotherapy agents are injected into the bladder through a catheter. These agents could include Adriamycin, BCG and other types of chemotherapy. If the bladder cancer is in an invasive stage, radical cystectomy may be required. This means a total surgical removal of the bladder. Radiation therapy which involves high doses of x-rays to localised body parts along with chemotherapy can be succesfully used to treat patients suffering from bladder cancer. When the bladder cancer has reached an advanced stage, it is generally incurable. A nutritious cancer diet is used to supplement the treatment.