5 Strange Facts About Kidney Cancer

Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that are reddish-brown in color. Kidneys are located above the waist on either side of the body. Their role is to filter blood and get rid of urea and other poisonous wastes from the body. A dilute solution called urine is formed in the process.

 

Every five minutes, the whole blood passes through the kidneys, something that ensures that the toxic wastes do not build up. Kidneys also play a crucial role in the production of hormones that stimulate the formation of red blood cells, control of blood pressure, and the maintenance of an optimum calcium level in the blood.

 

Each kidney works autonomously; therefore, one can be removed without affecting the functions of the other. There are five strange facts about kidney cancer that everybody should know:

1. Risk factors

Kidney cancer occurs when healthy cells in one or both kidneys multiply uncontrollably. Cells are miniature building blocks that make up the tissues and organs in our bodies. Cells usually increase in a controlled manner.

 

Sometimes, a cell may become defective and keep on dividing continuously, therefore, forming more unhealthy cells. These abnormal cells eventually lump together to form a tumor.

 

Although there are different types of kidney cancers, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most prevalent. As affirmed by the American Cancer Society, nine out of every 10 kidney cancer patients suffer from renal cell carcinoma. Transitional cell (urothelial) carcinoma and Wilms’ tumor are categorized as other forms of kidney cancer.

 

The reason why cells become cancerous is still not yet clear. In most cases, a lot of people develop kidney cancer for no apparent reason. However, risk factors that contribute to the condition include advanced age, smoking, obesity, genetic factors and exposure to chemical carcinogens.

 

2. Symptoms of kidney cancer

Most of the symptoms of kidney tumor are not noticeable in its early stages. Hematuria has been identified to be the first sign of the illness. Hematuria  is defined as the presence of blood in an individual’s urine. People who have hematuria pass urine which is brown, pink or red in color.

 

Kidney Research UK reports that, every so often, the blood in urine may not be noticeable to the naked eye. Routine tests are usually performed in the laboratory to detect tiny traces of blood. Other symptoms include the presence of a lump in the abdomen, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, fever, fatigue, pain on the side of the body, and swelling of the legs.

 

However, the presence of blood in urine does not always mean that a person is suffering from kidney cancer. It can be an indication of other conditions that affect kidneys like prostrate problems, kidney stones, nephritis or urinary tract infections. It is necessary for a person to visit a physician without delay after noticing blood in urine.

 

3. Diagnosis

The National Health Service recommends the use of a combination of several tests to confirm the presence of kidney cancer. These tests include urine tests, blood tests, intravenous pyelogram, ultrasound scan, computerized tomography (CT) scan, image-guided biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, cystoscopy and intravenous pyelogram (IVP).

 

4. Treatment methods

The treatment method for kidney cancer depends on the stage of cancer, a patient’s overall health, and the spread of the illness to other organs. The American Cancer Society proposes the use of either one or a combination of several treatment methods. These treatment methods comprise of surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, ablation, radiation therapy, arterial embolization and cryotherapy.

 

Depending on a patient’s treatment option and the stage of cancer, various specialists may be involved in the treatment plan. These professionals may include radiation oncologists, urologists and medical oncologists.

 

5. Coping with cancer

Being diagnosed with cancer can be very distressing to patients and their families. Sometimes, it is not easy for a patient to absorb and comprehend the news. Talking to a psychiatrist helps in dealing with feelings of anxiety and depression.

 

However, there is hope for the patients. A report released recently titled “Cancer Treatment & Survivorship Facts & Figures 2016-2017,” estimates that there are currently more than 15.5 million cancer survivors in the United States of America, and the number is projected to rise. The report points out that, the number of cancer survivors will continue to increase globally due to enhanced treatment methods and early detection of the disease.

 

 

 

 

Discover the Amazing Benefits of a Physiotherapy Treatment

 

Physiotherapists are known by various names depending on the locality of a person. Some countries refer to these specialists as physical therapists while others call them kinesiologists. It is important to understand that all the names refer to individuals in the same profession.

 

Physiotherapists provide vital services that are aimed at restoring a person’s maximum mobility. People can lose their ability to function appropriately at different stages in their lives. Proper functioning of body parts can be lost due to diseases, aging, injuries, disorders or environmental factors. Physical therapists aid in improving a person’s quality of life through the provision of physical, emotional, psychological and social support.

 

How it works

Physiotherapists typically take a holistic approach when dealing with patients. The approach ensures that they concentrate on the whole body instead of focusing on factors that may be triggering pain like illness or injury.

 

Patient education is a necessary part of physical therapy. Apart from improving the strength and mobility of a patient, physical therapists provide beneficial counsel to patients on how to manage their condition in an efficient manner.

 

To achieve the desired results, physiotherapists use numerous techniques:

1. Massage

Massage involves the manipulation of body’s soft tissue using hands. Massage is used to improve the circulation of blood in the body, drain fluid from body parts, improve body movement and relieve pain.

 

2. Movement and exercises

Physical therapists are known to make use of a training program that incorporates specific workouts. These physical exercises are helpful for solving specific health problems. Exercises usually strengthen the body and improve the general body movements.

 

3. Energy-based therapy

Energy-based therapy is also referred to as electrotherapy. Electrotherapy makes use of energy that is obtained from electric current or impulses. This energy-based therapy is aimed at providing stimulation to the central nervous system. When muscles are exposed to electrical impulses, they contract hence lessening pain and aiding the healing process.

 

4. Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a therapy technique that is carried out in warm water, either in a swimming pool or a hydrotherapy bath. During a hydrotherapy session, water is pushed against the body. This facilitates blood circulation and muscle relaxation.

 

Illnesses that are treated using physiotherapy

Apart from injuries, physiotherapy sessions are known to be helpful in the treatment of diseases such as asthma, cerebral palsy, back pain and incontinence. Physiotherapy has different classifications:

a.  Orthopedic physical therapy: Therapists in this category are involved in the treatment of injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system. These ailments include postoperative joints, sports injuries, arthritis and amputations.

 

b. Geriatric physical therapy: The therapists mainly focus on older adults, and they treat osteoporosis, cancer, arthritis, hip replacement, joint replacement, incontinence and Alzheimer’s disease.

 

c. Neurological physical therapy: Neurological therapists treat patients who are victims of neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, paralysis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, vision impairment, stroke, poor balance and Alzheimer’s disease.

 

d. Cardiovascular and pulmonary therapists: These specialists assist patients who have disorders of the circulatory system, heart and the pulmonary system. Their primary focus is to improve a patient’s endurance and increase his physical independence.

 

e. Pediatric physical therapists: These professionals treat children who are affected by diseases such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and torticollis.

 

Physiotherapy is safe. Since a patient exercises part of the body which is injured or has chronic pain, this treatment method is sometimes unpleasant. The uncomfortable training is only meant to make you stronger as a patient. Different people do respond differently to therapy depending on body type, habits and daily activities. To reap maximum benefits of the physiotherapy sessions, you should always stick to the program provided by the specialists.

 

 

 

 

4 Surprising Things Everyone With Sleep Apnea Should Understand

Sleep apnea is a health condition that affects individuals when they are asleep. The disorder occurs when the walls of the throat relax and narrow, something that interrupts the normal breathing patterns.

 

A person who is having sleep apnea disorder experiences one or more breathing pauses when he is sleeping.

 

According to British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association, these breathing pauses can only be said to be clinically meaningful when they happen for more than 10 seconds or 10 times every hour.

 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The most common disorder is the obstructive sleep apnea where the airways collapse and block during sleep. This blockage leads to shallow breathing or pauses in breathing. As a person tries to breathe, the air that is squeezed through the blocked area brings about snoring.

 

The factors that can lead to obstructive sleep apnea include having a large neck, being overweight, taking medicines with sedative effects, smoking and drinking alcohol.

 

Causes

When a person is encountering sleep apnea, lack of oxygen makes the brain react by pulling the person out of sleep. By waking up, the airways open and the person can breathe again in a normal way.

 

When an individual falls back into deep sleep again, similar episodes are repeated. Therefore, sleep apnea is a disorder that significantly impacts on a person’s sleep.

 

Effects

Lack of enough sleep because of these interruptions makes a person experience tiredness and sleepiness during the day. The productivity of a person is extremely affected by this condition.

 

Many people who have sleep apnea disorder do not know if they have the problem. This is because, during these interruptions, a person is not able to remember specifically what happened.

 

These individuals are made aware of the problem by their mates, friends, or close family members who can hear the loud snoring, snorting, and gasping as the person sleeps.

 

Treatment options

Obstructive sleep apnea is a treatable disorder. The treatment options include lifestyle changes such as weight loss, avoiding smoking and cutting down alcohol consumption.

 

Using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device (CPAP) during treatment prevents the airways from closing by supplying compressed air through the mask.

 

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute acknowledges CPAP to be the best treatment for those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

 

Some people wear Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD). MAD is a device that holds a person’s jaw and tongue to facilitate breathing while a person is asleep.

 

According to American Sleep Association, the mouthpieces are custom-made to fit perfectly on a patient’s teeth and mouth. In addition to treating sleep apnea, they are also effective in stopping snoring.

 

When these treatment options do not work, surgery may be considered as the treatment of last resort.