What are renal calculi or kidney stones? Stones or calculi, the medical term for which is lithiasis, are solid masses of variable size that form in the urinary system due to an accumulation of minerals that are found in urine. The composition of the stones can be quite varied, although they are most commonly comprised […]
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Renal cancer
What is renal or kidney cancer? Renal cancer or kidney cancer is a malignant tumour that affects the cells of the renal tubules. It accounts for about 3% of cancers in adults, is more common in men than women, and is usually diagnosed in people of between 50 and 70 years of age. Smokers are […]
Renal colic
What is renal colic? Renal colic is an episode of intense, spasmodic pain that appears sharply and suddenly, and progressively increases in intensity. The pain starts in the lower back and radiates laterally into the abdomen, groin and genitals. The intensity is not constant, but involves peaks of more intense pain mixed with periods of […]
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Testicular cancer
What is testicular cancer? Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumour in young adults (20–40 years of age). Despite this, they are currently uncommon at an overall level as they are one of the most likely cancers to be cured. Various types of testicular tumours exist depending on the cells that undergo malignant transformation. […]
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Urinary bladder cancer
What is urinary bladder cancer? The bladder is a spherical muscular structure, its function is to store the urine produced by the kidneys before it is expelled through the urethra. It is comprised of three layers: an outer layer called the “serous layer”, an intermediate layer made up of smooth muscle and an internal lining […]
Urinary incontinence
What is urinary incontinence? Urinary incontinence involves the involuntary loss of urine. It can occur at any age, but its causes tend to differ according to the age of the patient. The overall incidence of urinary incontinence increases progressively with age. Approximately one in three elderly people experience some problems with bladder control, and women […]
Urinary tract cancer
What is urinary tract cancer? Cancer of the urinary tract can develop in the cells that line the central urine collection area of the kidney (renal pelvis) and/or in the ducts that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder (ureters). The majority of renal pelvis and ureter cancer cases that occur each year are […]