Kidney cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in your kidney, often presenting as a mass. Early on, there may be no symptoms, but later signs can include blood in urine or back pain. While exact causes are often unclear, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking, and managing weight can help reduce risk. Treatment options vary and are tailored to each individual.

Kidney Mass / Cancer

AUA guideline

Patient guide, Kidney Cancer (NCCN)

Small kidney tumors (JAMA)

Kidney cancer information (EAU)

Partial & Radical Nephrectomy procedure

ASCO Guidelines

Decision guide: how should I treat my small kidney tumor?

Podcast: Localized kidney tumors

Clinical trials are research studies where volunteers test new medical treatments, drugs, or devices. They help researchers discover better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases, advancing medical care for everyone while offering participants potential access to innovative therapies.

Clinical Trials

BPH (enlarged prostate) often causes urinary symptoms in aging men, like frequent urges or weak flow, due to prostate growth. While lifestyle changes and medication are common, Laser Enucleation is a surgical procedure that precisely removes enlarged prostate tissue to improve urine flow and quality of life.

BPH (Enlarged Prostate) - Surgical - Laser Enucleation of the Prostate

Vasectomy is a highly effective, permanent form of male birth control. It's a minor surgical procedure that prevents sperm from reaching the semen, thus preventing pregnancy. This procedure does not affect sex drive, hormone levels, or ejaculation volume, offering couples peace of mind about family planning.

Vasectomy

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma is cancer that develops in the lining of the kidney or ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder). Key symptoms often include blood in the urine. While smoking and certain chemical exposures are common risk factors, treatment typically involves surgery, and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking are crucial.

Urothelial Carcinoma of the Upper Tract

UPJ Obstruction is a blockage where your kidney connects to the ureter, the tube that carries urine to the bladder. This can cause urine to back up, leading to symptoms like side pain, nausea, or infection. It can be present from birth or develop later, and treatments are available to ensure proper kidney drainage and health.

UPJ obstruction

Scrotal conditions involve various issues affecting the scrotum, the protective sac containing the testicles, leading to symptoms like pain, swelling, or lumps. These can stem from infections, injuries, or fluid accumulation. While some may resolve with observation or medication, others might require surgery; prompt medical evaluation is always recommended for proper care.

Scrotal conditions

Recurrent UTIs mean experiencing frequent urinary tract infections. Common symptoms include burning with urination, urgency, and frequent urges to go. While often caused by bacteria, managing them typically involves working with a doctor for treatment and discussing preventive steps like good hydration and hygiene to help reduce future occurrences.

Recurrent UTIs

The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test commonly used to screen for prostate cancer. While higher PSA levels can suggest prostate cancer, they can also be due to other prostate problems. It's vital to discuss with your doctor if screening is right for you, considering your age, health, and family history, to understand potential benefits and risks.

PSA, Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, a small organ in men. Symptoms often include pelvic pain, discomfort with urination, and urinary urgency. It can result from bacterial infections or other non-infectious causes. Treatment may involve medication, and lifestyle adjustments like adequate hydration and avoiding irritants can help manage symptoms. It's a common and often treatable condition.

Prostatitis

Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a common condition causing a sudden, strong urge to urinate, often leading to frequent bathroom trips day and night, and sometimes accidental leakage. This occurs when the bladder muscles contract involuntarily. Lifestyle adjustments like managing fluid intake and diet, along with bladder training and various medications, can effectively help manage symptoms and improve daily life.

Overactive bladder

Nocturia is the medical term for waking up one or more times during the night specifically to urinate. This can be caused by various factors, including fluid intake patterns, medications, and underlying health conditions like bladder issues or diabetes. Managing nocturia often involves lifestyle adjustments, such as timing fluid intake, and addressing any contributing medical conditions with your healthcare provider.

Nocturia

Low testosterone (low T) occurs when your body doesn't produce enough of this key male hormone. Symptoms often include fatigue, reduced sex drive, mood changes, and decreased muscle/bone mass. Causes range from aging and health conditions to lifestyle factors; management may involve lifestyle adjustments (like diet and exercise) and, if appropriate, hormone therapy, all discussed with your doctor.

Low testosterone

Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in your kidneys, often causing severe back or side pain and sometimes blood in the urine. They can be linked to dehydration or diet. While painful, many pass with increased fluids, or medical procedures may be needed for larger stones. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for prevention.

Kidney stones

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man has difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sexual activity. This common condition can be caused by physical factors like diabetes or heart disease, psychological stress, or lifestyle choices. Effective treatments and lifestyle changes, such as healthy diet and exercise, can often help improve ED.

Erectile dysfunction

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, is a common age-related condition in men. It occurs when the prostate gland grows larger, often causing urinary issues like frequent urination, weak stream, or difficulty emptying the bladder. Management options, including lifestyle changes, medication, or procedures, aim to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

BPH (Enlarged Prostate) - Medical

SpaceOAR and fiducials are advanced tools used during radiation therapy, often for prostate cancer. SpaceOAR is a temporary gel that creates space between the prostate and rectum, protecting the rectum from radiation exposure. Fiducials are tiny markers placed near the tumor to precisely guide the radiation beam. Together, they enhance treatment accuracy, reduce side effects on healthy tissues, and aim to improve patient comfort and recovery during and after treatment.

SpaceOAR and Fiducials

Blood in the urine, or hematuria, means blood is present, either visible (pink/red/brown) or microscopic. While often caused by treatable conditions like infections or kidney stones, it's crucial to see a doctor to identify the underlying cause and determine the best approach. Staying well-hydrated can sometimes help prevent certain contributing factors.

Blood in the urine

Dr. Eric Ghiraldi

Fox Chase Cancer Center Hospital

Nursing Line/Triage (Business Hours)

New Patient Appointments

After Hours Phone

Assistant Professor of Urology, Fox Chase Cancer Center/Temple Health

Surgery (Urology)

Conditions affecting your bladder, kidneys, and how you urinate.

Bladder and Urinary Issues

Conditions where your body bleeds too easily or can't stop bleeding.

Bleeding Concerns

Problems that stop urine from flowing freely from your kidneys, bladder, or tubes.

Blockages in the Urinary Tract

Prostate problems that affect men's urination and health.

Prostate Conditions

Conditions affecting male organs, fertility, and sexual health.

Men's Reproductive Health

Health conditions affecting sex organs, fertility, & sexual well-being.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Diseases where body cells grow abnormally and can spread.

Cancer

Conditions affecting your kidneys and the tubes that carry urine.

Kidney & Ureter Conditions

Kidney Cancer

Conditions from hard, stone-like deposits in kidneys and urinary tract.

Kidney Stones

Problems with bladder, bowel, pain, or pelvic organ support.

Pelvic Floor & Pelvic Health

Conditions causing accidental urine leakage or loss of bladder control.

Urinary Incontinence

Infections affecting your urinary tract, bladder, and private areas.

Urinary & Intimate Infections

Cancers that start in the prostate gland, a male reproductive organ.

Prostate Cancer

Tests to find what's wrong or to check for health problems.

Screening and Diagnostic Procedures

Health issues impacting women's bodies and well-being, including reproductive health.

Women's Health

Conditions affecting male and female reproductive organs and private areas.

Genital Conditions

Health issues treated by operations and care for healing.

Surgical and Post-Surgical Care

Conditions that don't fit into other main groups. A mixed collection of health issues.

Other

Medical procedures are planned steps healthcare professionals take to diagnose, treat, or manage various health conditions. These can include diagnostic tests like imaging, therapeutic interventions, or surgical operations, all aimed at improving your health.

Dr. Eric Ghiraldi, DO

Kidney Mass / Cancer

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