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

For an enlarged prostate (BPH) causing bothersome urinary issues, various procedures are available when lifestyle changes and medications don't offer enough relief. These aim to improve urine flow and reduce symptoms, helping men regain comfort and quality of life.

BPH/Enlarged Prostate Procedures

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

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

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

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 pain is discomfort or soreness in one or both testicles. It can range from dull to sharp and may stem from various causes like injury, infection, or inflammation. Due to potential serious underlying issues, it's crucial to seek prompt medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. Gentle support and rest may offer temporary relief.

Testicular pain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

An adrenal mass is a growth found on one of your small adrenal glands, located above your kidney. Most are benign (non-cancerous) and found by chance, causing no symptoms. However, some may produce excess hormones or, less commonly, be cancerous. A doctor will evaluate it to determine its nature and guide appropriate care, which might include monitoring or removal.

Adrenal Mass

Steven Sterious

Chestnut Hill Office

Fort Washington Office

Professor of Urology's Fox Chase Cancer Center/Temple Health

Surgery (Urology)

Diseases where body cells grow abnormally and can spread.

Cancer

Problems with glands on your kidneys that make hormones for stress, energy, and blood pressure.

Adrenal conditions

Cancer conditions affecting the bladder, the organ storing urine.

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

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

General Health & Patient Education

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

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

Women's Health

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

Conditions affecting male and female reproductive organs and private areas.

Genital Conditions

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

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

Urinary & Intimate Infections

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

Screening and Diagnostic Procedures

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

Pain and discomfort

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

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.

Steven Sterious, MD

Kidney Mass / Cancer

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