Urologic Disease

Urologic diseases include a wide range of urologic disorders and health issues as a result of abnormal development or function of the urinary system. The American Urological Association confirms that more than 30 million people in the United States live with urologic conditions. Most urologic conditions can affect the quality of life and overall lifespan. Urologic conditions can range from those that are easy to treat (e.g., urinary tract infection) to those that are life threatening (e.g., benign prostatic hyperplasia, kidney cancer, bladder cancer and prostate cancer).

• Urinary System

Urinary Tract Infection

• A bacterial infection that begins in the urinary system (kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra), urinary tract infections mainly affect the lower urinary tract, the bladder and the urethra. Pain with urination, increased frequency of urination and urinary urgency are common symptoms of urinary tract infections. If the urinary tract infection spreads to the kidneys, serious consequences can occur.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common benign tumor in American men, as confirmed by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. With this condition, the prostate gland (part of the male reproductive system) becomes enlarged.

  Although prostate enlargement is normal, it is known to cause problems in men after age 40. Because the prostate continues to enlarge, the urethra can become compressed, putting pressure on the bladder and causing it to become irritable. The bladder then becomes weak and loses the ability to empty itself.

  The most common symptoms of BPH involve problems with urination, such as interrupted or weak stream, leaking or dribbling, and more frequent urination.

Kidney Cancer

• Kidney cancer develops in the lining of the tubes inside the kidneys. Kidney cancer most often occurs in people older than age 40. Genetic conditions, prolonged misuse of pain medications and smoking can increase the risk of kidney cancer. Although no early symptoms have been identified, blood in the urine, a lump in the abdomen, pain in the side or loss of appetite may be early warning signs of kidney cancer.

Bladder Cancer

• Bladder cancer, the sixth most common type of cancer in the United States, occurs in the lining of the bladder. Symptoms may include pain when urinating, lower back pain, a frequent urge to urinate or blood in the urine. High risk factors for developing bladder cancer are smoking or exposure to certain chemicals.

Prostate Cancer

• The prostate gland is located below a man's bladder and produces fluid for semen. Prostate cancer, the third most common cause of cancer death in men of all ages, is rare in men younger than age 40. Symptoms of prostate cancer can include pain with ejaculation, difficulty passing urine and lower back pain. Levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by cells of the prostate, are used to determine if prostate cancer is present, as PSA levels are often high in men with prostate cancer.