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

Overview (Urology Health)

UTUC information (BCAN)

Ureteral cancer symptoms

Ureteral cancer statistics

Ureteral cancer overview

Ureteral cancer diagnosis

Ureteral cancer causes and risk factors

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Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa

Pre-consultation practice administration involves completing essential documents like your medical history, current medications, and insurance details before your first visit. This crucial step helps our team review your information in advance, allowing us to focus entirely on your health concerns and provide more efficient, personalized care during your appointment.

Pre-consultation practice administration (documents you can complete prior to your first visit)

Symptom scores are simple questionnaires that help you and your healthcare team track changes in your symptoms over time. By consistently sharing how you feel, these scores provide crucial information to guide your care, adjust treatments, and monitor progress effectively. They offer a clearer picture of your health journey.

Symptom scores which may be helpful

Learning about a medical condition helps you understand its common signs, potential causes, and general management approaches. Healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity, can often support overall well-being and treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and care.

General information

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

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, is a very common, non-cancerous condition where the prostate gland grows with age. This growth can press on the urethra, causing urinary symptoms like frequent urges, a weak stream, or waking up at night to urinate. It's often managed through lifestyle adjustments, medications, or, in some cases, minor procedures to help you feel more comfortable.

BPH, Enlarged Prostate

Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men, affecting the walnut-sized prostate gland. Early stages often have no symptoms, though risk increases with age and family history. Treatment options vary, from active surveillance to surgery or radiation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial.

Prostate Cancer

Localized kidney cancer means abnormal cells are found only within the kidney. Often found early, symptoms might include blood in urine or back pain, with causes linked to smoking or obesity. Treatment frequently involves surgery, emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle for overall well-being.

Kidney cancer, localized

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

Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal cells form in your bladder's lining. The most common symptom is blood in urine, sometimes with frequent or painful urination. Smoking is a key cause, along with certain chemical exposures. Treatment options often include surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the cancer stage. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, especially quitting smoking, is important for prevention and management.

Bladder cancer

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

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

Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin of the penis cannot be fully pulled back over the glans (head of the penis). It's often normal in infants and young boys and usually resolves naturally. If it persists or causes issues like pain, difficulty urinating, or infections, treatment options may include topical creams, gentle stretching exercises, or in some cases, a surgical procedure like circumcision. Maintaining good hygiene is important.

Phimosis and circumcision

Varicocele is a common condition where veins within the scrotum become enlarged, similar to varicose veins in the leg. It often causes no symptoms, but can sometimes lead to a dull ache, a feeling of heaviness, or contribute to male infertility. Treatment, if necessary, may involve observation, pain management, or minor procedures, typically to address discomfort or fertility concerns.

Varicocele

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

A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. This can cause symptoms like a weak urine stream, difficulty emptying your bladder, or pain. It often results from injury, inflammation, or infection. Thankfully, it's a treatable condition to restore normal urine flow.

Urethral stricture

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when pelvic organs like the bladder or uterus slip from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. This often results from weakened pelvic floor muscles due to childbirth, aging, or strain. Symptoms may include a feeling of pressure or a bulge. Management options involve lifestyle changes (like weight management), pelvic floor exercises, pessaries, or surgery.

Pelvic organ prolapse

Female urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, often triggered by activities like coughing or sneezing, or a sudden, strong urge to go. It's a common condition, often related to childbirth, menopause, or age. While common, it's manageable; lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, and other treatments can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.

Incontinence, female

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

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a common condition in post-menopausal women, stemming from lower estrogen, which causes symptoms like vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and urinary changes. Effective treatments, including lubricants, moisturizers, and specific therapies, can significantly improve comfort and quality of life, with staying well-hydrated also being helpful.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

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

Interstitial Cystitis (IC), also known as Bladder Pain Syndrome, is a chronic condition causing uncomfortable bladder pressure, pain, and a persistent, urgent need to urinate frequently. While its exact cause is unknown, managing symptoms through lifestyle changes (like diet), medications, and various therapies can significantly improve comfort and quality of life.

Interstitial Cystitis

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

Testicular cancer is a treatable cancer that begins in the testicles, often appearing as a painless lump, swelling, or heaviness in the scrotum. While its exact causes are unclear (an undescended testicle is a known risk factor), it's highly curable, especially when caught early. Treatment typically involves surgery, sometimes with chemotherapy or radiation, making self-awareness and regular self-exams important for timely detection.

Testicular cancer

Penile cancer is a rare cancer affecting the skin or tissues of the penis. Symptoms can include skin changes, lumps, unhealing sores, or unusual discharge. Risk factors include HPV and certain lifestyle factors; maintaining good hygiene can help. Treatment often involves surgery or radiation, and early detection is key for better outcomes.

Penile cancer

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

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

Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) occurs when urine flows backward from the bladder towards the kidneys, often due to a natural valve weakness. This condition, commonly seen in children, can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Many children outgrow VUR, while some may benefit from monitoring, medication, or in rare cases, a minor procedure to protect kidney health.

Pediatrics: Vesicoureteral Reflux

Pediatric UPJ obstruction is a blockage at the junction where a child's kidney connects to the ureter (the tube carrying urine to the bladder). This can cause urine to back up, potentially affecting kidney function. Often detected before birth or due to symptoms like pain or UTIs, it may require monitoring or surgery to relieve the obstruction and protect kidney health.

Pediatrics: UPJ Obstruction

Undescended testis means a baby boy's testicle hasn't moved into its proper place in the scrotum. This is often noticed at birth and, while some descend naturally, treatment like surgery is common if needed to help prevent future health issues.

Pediatrics: Undescended Testis

Testicular torsion is an urgent condition where a testicle twists, cutting off its blood supply. It causes sudden, severe pain, swelling, and often nausea. Immediate medical attention and emergency surgery are crucial to restore blood flow and save the testicle. If you suspect this, seek care right away.

Pediatrics: Testicular Torsion

Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) refers to involuntary urination during sleep in children past the age when they're typically dry. This common issue often relates to bladder development, deep sleep, or genetics. Most children outgrow it; lifestyle adjustments like managing fluids before bed and regular bathroom habits, along with patience and support, are often beneficial.

Pediatrics: Bedwetting

Lichen Sclerosus (BXO) is a chronic, non-contagious skin condition, most often affecting genital or anal areas, but can occur elsewhere. It causes itching, pain, and white, thinned patches of skin. While its exact cause is unknown, it's thought to be autoimmune. Management typically involves topical medications to control symptoms and requires regular monitoring. Gentle hygiene is important.

Lichen Sclerosus (BXO)

Kidney cysts are common, fluid-filled sacs that can form in the kidneys. Many are harmless, cause no symptoms, and require no treatment. Others may need monitoring or intervention if they grow large, cause pain, or affect kidney function. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle generally supports kidney health.

Kidney cysts

Male incontinence is the unintentional leakage of urine, often due to weakened bladder muscles, prostate issues, or nerve damage. It's a common and treatable condition, manageable through lifestyle changes, exercises, medication, or other medical interventions. Discussing symptoms with a healthcare provider can help find effective solutions to improve quality of life.

Incontinence, male

Genitalia conditions involve various issues affecting the reproductive and urinary areas, such as itching, pain, discharge, or lumps. Causes range from infections and inflammation to structural concerns. Treatments often include medications or minor procedures. Practicing good hygiene and openly discussing any concerns with a healthcare professional are key for managing these common conditions.

Genitalia conditions

Jos Myburgh

Room H05, 3rd floor Hospital Block, Medi Clinic Bloemfontein

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Specialist Urologist

Surgery (Urology)

Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon

Cancer conditions affecting the bladder, the organ storing urine.

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

Bladder and Urinary Issues

Diseases where body cells grow abnormally and can spread.

Cancer

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

Everyday health, wellness tips, and understanding how to manage your care.

General Health & Patient Education

Conditions affecting male and female reproductive organs and private areas.

Genital Conditions

Conditions affecting male organs, fertility, and sexual health.

Men's Reproductive Health

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

Urinary & Intimate Infections

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

Women's Health

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

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

Urinary and genital issues in babies, children, and teenagers.

Pediatric Urology Conditions

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

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

Screening and Diagnostic Procedures

Health issues treated by operations and care for healing.

Surgical and Post-Surgical Care

Conditions about getting pregnant, preventing it, and reproductive health.

Fertility and Family Planning

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

Other

Conditions that cause pain, aches, soreness, or general unease.

Pain and discomfort

Symptoms are changes in how you feel or how your body works, such as pain, fever, or fatigue. They are your body's way of signaling an underlying health condition. Understanding your symptoms helps healthcare providers identify the cause and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Jos Myburgh

Urothelial Carcinoma of the Upper Tract

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