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Kidney Cancer – Signs, Stages, and Management Options

According to the American Cancer Society, kidney cancer is a rare but severe disease that people have a 2 percent chance of developing. And the risk is more prevalent in those who follow an unhealthy lifestyle, have bad food habits, or are exposed to asbestos and benzene chemicals. Nonetheless, the disease is easier to treat if diagnosed before stage 4. The survival chance increases if one recognizes its early signs and receives proper medical treatment.

Early warning signs of kidney cancer
The tumor results from an abnormal mutation in a single cell that begins to multiply and develop exponentially over time. Early signs of kidney cancer are often unrecognizable. Kidney cancer can be fully curable if the disease is diagnosed early on. But since the organ is deep into one’s body, the symptoms don’t usually show until the tumor has grown or spread already. Here are some prevalent early signs that could indicate a kidney tumor. If one experiences these signs, it’s advisable to seek medical help immediately.

Blood in urine
Finding blood in one’s urine doesn’t immediately mean one has kidney cancer. Urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder or kidney stones may also cause bloody urine, also known as hematuria. But this is also the main sign of cancer developing in one’s kidney, so it’s best to get a CT scan, ultrasound, or biopsy done to find the origin of the symptom.

Back pain and lumps
Feeling pain in the side or lower back or feeling an abnormal mass on one’s abdomen, lower back, or side or ankle swelling can be a kidney cancer sign. A lump anywhere on one’s body must be medically examined immediately.

Fever and night sweats
Night sweats or a sudden fever with no particular cause that doesn’t go away easily can be an alarming sign of worry.

Loss of appetite
Another common sign of kidney cancer is if one suddenly loses appetite or doesn’t feel as hungry as before.

Weight loss
One may also lose muscle and body mass, have a compromised immune system, and feel weak.

Fatigue
Cancerous cells consume the most energy, leading one to experience chronic fatigue or tiredness. While usual tiredness arising from lack of sleep or working overtime is common, sudden unexplained tiredness without any lifestyle changes can cause concern. This tiredness also doesn’t go away even after extended resting periods. Combined with any other symptoms, experiencing fatigue should ideally prompt one to consult a doctor for any underlying health issue, including kidney cancer.

How is kidney cancer detected?
Detection of kidney cancer is of utmost importance before it progresses to advanced stages. For example, a physician may recommend a kidney specialist who will run a test to detect the tumor. The tests may include one or more of the following:

CT scan or MRI
CT scan is an X-ray scan that allows a doctor to locate tumors, stones, and other issues in one’s bladder, kidneys, and ureters.

Renal ultrasound
This machine helps the doctor to create and record images of one’s kidney onto a computer using sound waves.

Biopsy
A biopsy procedure studies a small portion of kidney tissue under a microscope for any indication of abnormal cell development.

Learning about the tumor’s location, family history, lifestyle, and habits enables one’s doctor to formulate the best possible treatment plan. Since cancer screenings are not available to those who aren’t at risk, it’s advisable to run routine scans and take urine tests at regular intervals. This will help in detecting and preventing cancer at an early stage.

Four stages of kidney cancer
Kidney cancer is classified into four stages. Stage 1 kidney cancer is easily curable amongst all since the tumor size is tiny. A partial nephrectomy is a joint surgery that effectively removes the tumor at this stage. Stage 2 tumors usually grow more significant than seven centimeters in diameter and mostly require the surgeon to remove the kidney infected with the tumor. Since humans have two kidneys, a patient can live relatively well with one kidney without any severe health complications.
Stage 3 tumor spreads outside one’s kidney to the adjacent adrenal glands or other organs. According to sources, the 5-year survival rate for stage 3 kidney cancer patients is as low as 53 percent after diagnosis. Here, radical nephrectomy removes both the kidney and the nearby adrenal gland.
According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for stage 4 kidney cancer drops to eight percent. Here, the tumor is wholly metastasized, and treatments like chemotherapy or surgery are not usually effective. In addition, doctors may recommend palliative care for patients at this stage.

Treatment options
Doctors recommend treatments for patients depending on their age, cancer stage, and overall health condition to support recovery. A medical expert may opt for watchful waiting for an aged patient with a tumor size of fewer than 1.5 inches. The waiting entails regular check-ups and imaging tests to keep an eye on the growth of the tumor. Once it grows larger than 1.5 inches, a doctor may quickly perform surgery. The surgery involves cutting off the tumor as much as possible without losing the kidney. Also, surgeries can be of different kinds. Some of them are:

Partial nephrectomy
This removes the tumor from one’s kidney. The tumor can be as big as 2.75 inches and is commonly used during early-stage kidney cancer. This surgery is usually ineffective if cancer spreads to nearby body parts.

Radical nephrectomy
This removes the affected kidney, and some surrounding tissue, adrenal gland, and lymph nodes are affected. If both kidneys are removed, one may need a dialysis machine to clean one’s blood.

Other options
Some non-surgical treatments include targeted therapy, an immunotherapy that uses one’s immune system to fight cancer, radiation therapy that uses energy beams to kill cancerous cells, and clinical trials. Based on one’s condition, a medical professional may recommend one or a combination of therapies to fight kidney cancer.

Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cellâs ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cellâs ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the bodyâs reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

Eating Habits That Help Manage Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder leading to complications, including uncontrollable movements like stiffness or shaking, which can cause balance and coordination difficulties in an individual. Symptoms of this condition take time and develop gradually but worsen with time. It may reach a point where the patient may have difficulty walking and talking, and swallowing food. As a caregiver, it is crucial to know how to make eating easier and the right foods to introduce. Patience is the key When caring for those with Parkinson's disease, it is necessary to know that patience is paramount and that taking it slow is the anthem of caregiving. Since the disease affects brain activity, it leads to movements getting slower and slower by the day, including walking, talking, and even eating. Chewing needs the use of muscles, and this activity can become frustrating with difficulty in controlling muscles. So give the patient time and be aware of their eating routine. If it helps, you can encourage smaller meals frequently rather than three big meals throughout the day. It may help them get adequate nutrition and not frustrate them with one activity for too long. Noticing the swallowing patterns Since chewing and swallowing become difficult with Parkinson's disease, it is also necessary to keep a tab on any changes in eating habits over time. If you notice your loved ones facing difficulty swallowing, then it is time to speak to a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who can assess the risk of dysphagia or aspiration, referred to when the food goes down the wrong pipe and enters the lung. The specialist will do a series of tests to understand muscle strength and suggests specific exercises that may help improve swallowing. They may also suggest some foods that are safe and unsafe during this period. Extra care with liquids As unusual as it may seem, solid foods are not as significant a threat as liquid foods. It is because the latter can quickly enter the airway and reach the lungs, leading to complications like pneumonia. It is usually advised that if any soup is given, make it thick rather than just watery. Adding thickening agents like cornstarch or potato starch can be extremely useful. Even gelatin can be added to some foods. Avoiding dry foods Those with dysphagia can have trouble swallowing very dry foods. It will include biscuits, chips, toast, and even crusty bread. Experts usually advise that these dry foods should be moistened with a liquid to make it easier for them to slide down the food pipe. Use fluids like gravy, milk, broth, or syrup to soften the food. It is also advised to always cut the vegetables as small as an inch or smaller to make them easy to slide down the food pipe, and they should always be cooked till tender. Ensure that there is no snacking while lying down to avoid choking. Handling paranoia Parkinson's psychosis can lead to hallucinations and paranoia. It is observed that many patients with this disease develop false beliefs or negative thoughts, which may also affect their eating patterns. For example, one might worry that their food is poisoned by someone and refuse to eat anything. One of the ways to handle such situations is not to argue or invalidate what they feel but to redirect the person instead. Divert them to a different activity, delay food time a little, if necessary, and then try again. Arguing with the person will only lead to more agitation and make the situation even more difficult. Another complication that arises is that of hallucinations. For example, patients may start hallucinating about deceased family members at the dinner table and insist on having dinner with them. Experts suggest that instead of brushing off this behavior, encourage them to say hello (some studies prove that this often leads to the hallucination disappearing, bringing the person back to reality) and then continue with their dinner. Adaptive kitchen tools Since muscles are not in control, a simple task like eating food without shaky hands can be frustrating and overwhelming for patients. If the tremors persist for a long time, it is often advised to invest in kitchen tools to make eating easier. It includes buying weighted utensils or utensils with a stabilizing handle. Placing plate guards or non-slip material under the utensils like plates and bowls can be helpful while spooning food. Safe food choices According to experts, a Mediterranean meal plan is recommended for those diagnosed with the disorder. This nutritional regime is based on the traditional food habits observed in Mediterranean countries. It includes adding foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, olive oil, and plant-based foods. However, some foods like seafood, dairy, chicken or turkey, and eggs can be moderately included in the food plan on some days. Then there are foods like red meat and sweets like cookies and candies, which should be avoided or rarely included in the meal plan. It is the basic nutrition advice for those managing Parkinson's disease. Speaking to a doctor about referring to the right nutritionist for a meal plan for those with Parkinson's disease and especially Parkinson's psychosis would be extremely helpful. Besides the tips mentioned above, consult a doctor about better caregiving tips regarding nutrition and foods that should be excluded from the meal plan. It is necessary to treat those with the disease with utmost patience and love to avoid other mental and emotional health issues along with the disorder. The caregiver and the patient can experience agitation and irritation, and it is important to have a sound support system to deal with these challenges. One can also ask the doctor about any support groups in the community that could be helpful.

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Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

Braces are the go-to option most people choose for straightening teeth and jaws. This treatment provides aesthetic benefits, helps improve oral health, and relieves pressure from the joints. Traditionally, the base material used to be metal, but the latest developments in dental technology have given us a new option. This article gives you in-depth details about what makes invisible braces so popular, how much these products cost, and the best brands. What are invisible braces? Invisible braces, commonly known as clear aligners, are transparent dental trays that are used to correct your bite. These trays are usually worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. As the teeth shift, you have to make a new invisible tray every one or two weeks. Invisible braces are quite similar to retainers, but the former is used the slowly align your teeth while the latter keeps your teeth in place. Benefits The biggest benefit of invisible braces that’s quite evident at first sight is the fact that they are transparent. Factors like the lack of wires, bands, and brackets make these braces suitable for people of all ages, especially adults. Unlike the metal and ceramic counterparts, these braces can be removed at any time, which makes them easy to clean as well.

Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

Those suffering from an overactive bladder experience an increased urge to urinate. Such an uncontrollable need significantly compromises one’s quality of life. Issues that arise from this condition may lead the patient to compromise or rearrange their daily routine around their diagnosis. One may even suffer from bladder-related symptoms due to complications from other diseases like diabetes. This article highlights the significant causes as well as management techniques of an overactive bladder in patients: Causes Overactive bladder can result from various reasons such as unhealthy lifestyle choices, age, and underlying health conditions. Here are some of the common causes that lead to the development of this urological condition: Poor pelvic muscle strength Pelvic muscles provide the lower abdomen with the necessary support. As a person ages, their muscles tend to lose strength. Weak muscles are, thus, a common causative factor that leads to the development of an overactive bladder. Factors like pregnancy and childbirth are also known to weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Nerve damage This cause of an overactive bladder is quite common as the nerves can sustain damage from conditions like multiple sclerosis and herniated discs. This damage affects the signal transfer among the brain and other body parts, including the bladder.

Top 9 Life Alert System Providers for Seniors

A medical alert system consists of life-saving devices that instantly connect the user with emergency help with the push of a button. Such equipment helps seniors live independently and offers peace of mind to their loved ones and caregivers. A good-quality life alert system for seniors has several useful medical features like fall detection, GPS tracking, and professional monitoring. In this article, we’ve listed the best medical alert systems for seniors out there today. Medical Guardian Founded in 2005, Medical Guardian is known for designing best-in-class life alert devices and systems. Depending on the lifestyle of a senior individual, they can choose between different types of On-The-Go and In-House systems. Almost every Medical Guardian life alert system for seniors features its state-of-the-art fall detection technology, along with other essential features like GPS location tracking, extra neck/wrist buttons, and water resistance. This company’s medical alert products have the longest battery life (up to 168 hours) and furthest signal range (up to 1300 feet) compared to any other product on the market. Medical Guardian also has a highly reliable monitoring center that operates 24/7. Bay Alarm Medical With over 70 years of experience in life alert devices, Bay Alarm Medical is one of the most trusted providers in the country.

Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

The ability of dentures or implants to mimic natural teeth is so impressive that it has changed millions of lives worldwide. These prosthetics are used when natural teeth have significant issues. With a little maintenance, they can be an efficient and long-lasting solution. So, if you are planning to get them yourself, the following article can help you know the factors to consider and the prices of dental implants and dentures. How do dental implants work? Before discussing dental implant prices, it is essential to understand how they work. Dental implants consist of three different pieces that serve distinct functions, as given below: Implant post Also known as the fixture, this small, cylindrical screw acts as an artificial root for the tooth. Abutment This piece connects the implant post and the crown. There are various types of abutments depending on the prosthetic type requiring support. Crown The final piece of the entire prosthetic, the crown rests on the top of the abutment. It can be made from porcelain, metal, resin, or ceramics. Porcelain or ceramic crowns look the most natural. Costs of dental implants Depending on one’s needs, there are four types of dental implants. Given below are average costs for the same:

Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

If your teeth alignment has always made you conscious of your smile, you need to address the issue. Crowded or crooked teeth and crossbites can majorly affect your facial profile and the way you chew your food. The insecurity and complications of a crossbite only grow with age. If you’re contemplating ways to align your teeth, and you want to achieve that without braces, you’ve come to the right place. This article discusses teeth alignment options that are possible without prominent braces. Invisalign It is one of the most popular ways of teeth alignment without braces. The treatment involves using a set of clear retainer trays made to fit the moving teeth. You will be given a set of new retainer trays every two weeks to make the desired changes. They can be removed when eating, but one needs to ensure they have them on for at least 22 hours in a day. The treatment tenure depends on the severity of the case and takes approximately around 12 to 24 months to align teeth. Advantages They are invisible, so you won’t have to avoid social gatherings or feel awkward They are removable, which makes cleaning the trays and teeth easy These can be removed when having a meal, which means fewer restrictions when eating Disadvantages Invisalign is a more expensive option The flexibility of removing trays can elongate the treatment if not worn for prescribed hours Some may develop a lisp or speak awkwardly with trays Inman Aligner This is another efficient way of teeth alignment without braces.

Signs and Remedies of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe lung disease that occurs when the lung tissue is damaged and scarred. The scarring leads to thickened, stiff tissues and makes it difficult for the lungs to work efficiently. Several factors may cause pulmonary fibrosis. However, doctors cannot assess what triggers the condition. While the damage to the lungs is irreversible, there are several remedies that can help. So here are the signs of pulmonary fibrosis and some remedies. The signs of pulmonary fibrosis Before getting into the remedies of the condition, let’s learn about the signs of pulmonary fibrosis. Doing so can ensure proper diagnoses and care at the earliest. The first sign of pulmonary fibrosis is getting out of breath. The symptom occurs when the person exerts themselves through physical exercise. When the condition progresses, the affected individual may find it hard to breathe even with little to no physical activity. Older people who experience shortness of breath often confuse the condition as a sign of aging, failing to diagnose the disease early. Other signs of pulmonary fibrosis include: A dry cough. The sudden loss of weight. Fatigue. Pain in the muscles and joints. Clubbing, a condition that results in the widening and rounding at the tips of the fingers or toes.

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