Common #Bladder Problems

By George McKenzie

Your bladder is a sac-like structure near the bottom of the abdomen. Its major function is act as a storage area for urine until it can be expelled. It has a waterproof skin which medical professionals call the transitional cell epithelium.

Urine comes to the bladder from the kidneys through tubes called ureters. It is eliminated through a tube leading outside the body called the urethra.

A normal adult bladder contains about 400 milliliters of urine.

As people grow older, bladder problems become more common. It can become more of a challenge to control the bladder. This sometimes results in a condition known as incontinence. Incontinence can also happen when there is a disease or some other problem. There are many different bladder control products available commercially that help people who suffer from incontinence.

Other Common Bladder Problems

Bladder Cancer - There are several kinds of bladder cancer. The kind that happens most often originates in the lining of the cells inside of the bladder. This type is called urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) or transitional cell carcinoma (TCC).

Bladder infection - This is a bacterial infection that can happen in any part of the urinary tract. Although a bladder infection can be very uncomfortable, it's fairly easy to treat and can be cured quickly if treated properly.

Overactive bladder - This is a condition that results from a sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscle in the wall of the urinary bladder. Overactive bladder triggers an urgent and unstoppable need to urinate. OA is also known as urge incontinence and is a type of urinary incontinence or unintentional loss of urine.

Bladder Stones - Bladder stones are crystalline masses that originate from minerals and proteins which naturally occur in urine. They are much less common than kidney stones.

Bladder Spasms - A bladder spasm may also be called bladder instability. Under normal circumstances bladder muscles are relaxed and only go into action when you urinate. But when the bladder is unstable, it sometimes contracts suddenly and unexpectedly. This contraction is commonly known as a bladder spasm.

Bladder Prolapse - Also called cystoceles. It is more often called a fallen bladder or prolapsed bladder. It happens in women when the front wall of the vagina, which supports the bladder, weakens or loosens. The bladder may then start to slip into the vagina. There are four different stages, but the basic result can be urinary difficulties, discomfort, and stress incontinence (which is urine leakage caused by sneezing, coughing, exertion, or some other physical condition).

Enuresis (more commonly called bed wetting) - Enuresis is, simply put, involuntary urination, usually during sleep. This is more common in children and usually doesn't occur as the child gets older. However, repeated enuresis can be a sign or symptom other physical or emotional problems.

Paruresis - Paruresis is a condition that is also called shy bladder, shy kidney, or bashful bladder. Both genders can suffer from paruresis, which is a type of social anxiety disorder in which the sufferer is unable to urinate when others are within earshot, typically somewhere like a public restroom.

For more information on topics related to this article, click on Losing Bladder Control [http://www.bladder-problems.info/losing-bladder-control.html].

George McKenzie is a retired TV anchor, medical reporter and radio talk show host. He is a frequent contributor to Bladder Problems [http://www.bladder-problems.info/], a resource site about health and wellness.

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#BladderCancer - What Are the Complications?

By Jack D Thomsen

The malignant tumor that occurs in the urinary bladder is referred to as bladder cancer. The disease mostly seen in middle aged people and is more prominent in men. The bladder is a bag like structure in the pelvic region which stores urine until it is removed to the outside of the body. When cancerous cells develop, there are problems in urinating. Common symptoms include blood in urine, pain while passing urine and change in its coloration. There can be other reasons for these symptoms too but these are the main symptoms for this type of cancer.

One of the most serious after effects of bladder cancer is the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body. This can cause a very critical condition. Post surgery, anemia may be observed in the patient. Urinary inconsistencies are also known to prolong in the patient. The urine is brought to the bladder from the kidneys through ureters which are tube like structure. If a tumor has developed, it may lead to a blockage in these tubes. This can also cause a swelling. Subsequently, the drainage of liquid waste into the bladder for absorption and storage in the body becomes restricted. Medically this condition is referred to as hydronephrosis. A contrary condition can occur, where the ureters narrow down abnormally. This forms a urethral stricture which is another kind of complication.
Among the various types, the most common type of cancerous development is the urothelial carcinoma. This is transitional cell carcinoma which is recorded in most patients, almost in 90 percent cases. The other types are Squamous cell carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma which are less commonly seen. All these types of bladder cancers respond differently to treatment and hence, they need to be addressed with special medical techniques.

The main ways of treatment are surgery, radiation, chemotherapy which is performed for regular cancerous tumors and immunotherapy. The body is tested and examined for the presence of bladder cancer. This can be done through the blood test and urine test. X-rays of the pelvic region are also taken for records. In men, the doctor may also suggest an anal x-ray and in women, the vaginal x-ray may be suggested. There are special healthcare experts known as bladder specialist who deal with medical problems and cancers of the bladder.

Based on age, health and other factors there are various treatment options available to one who is seeking help.

I am Jack Thomsen and I want to write about cancer is very common problem people. Writing is my passion and I want to communicate with people in my article. I am interested in discussing stone in the bladder, cervical cancer, Bladder cancer [http://docturs.com/dd/pg/groups/14935/bladder-cancer/], gastrointestinal cancer screening.

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Causes of Ankle and Leg Edema – 8 Medical Reasons

by Susie H.

In this article we're going to discuss some medical problems that cause ankle and leg edema. The first thing we need to understand is what an ankle and leg edema is. Ankle and leg edema is an unusual build-up of fluid (retention) in the body tissues that leads to swelling in the lower extremities. There're many factors that can lead to fluid retention in the legs such as an inflammation of the joint or malfunctioning of liver, lungs, kidneys, heart, legs vein or other vital organs.

While there are no certain ways to pinpoint exactly what causes the fluid built-up without the help of healthcare provider, there're several possibilities that may trigger it. The following are 8 medical reasons that might just be the causes of your ankle and leg edema:

1. Cancer of the urinary bladder

Cancer of the urinary bladder is tumor of the urinary bladder that growth due to exposure to chemical materials, tobacco inhalation, infections and small pelvis irradiation. This type of cancer causes bladder tenesmus (a feeling of incomplete defecation), blood in urine, pain in pelvis, urination difficulty as well as leg edema.

2. Chronic liver disease

Chronic liver disease is a condition where the liver is scarred and injured thus fails to function normally. As the liver malfunctioning and unable to secrete enough protein albumins, the body will try to compensate it by retaining fluid. This retention leads to abdominal edema as well as ankle and leg edema.

3. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs or pelvic area. The symptoms associated with the disorder might vary from patient to patient but the most common are warm skin, pain, color changes in the legs, fullness of the veins underneath the skin and swelling in one leg either right leg swelling or left leg swelling.

4. Emphysema

Emphysema is condition where air sacks in the lung get inflamed causing the lungs fail to shrink thoroughly upon exhalation and breathe in sufficiently upon inhalation. This will cause problem as the lungs will not be able to replace waste oxygen with fresh oxygen adequately. Breathing difficulty, shortness of breath, sleeping disturbance, extreme tiredness, ankle and leg edema, wheezing and excess mucus production are some of the symptoms associated with emphysema. The symptoms usually progress over many years.

5. Heart disease

Heart disease is a disorder of the heart, a condition where the heart can not deliver enough blood to the body. As the condition continues, many symptoms will occur, the patient may feel tired or weak and the body might retain fluid causing ankle and leg swelling.

6. Kidney disorders

This disorder will cause swelling in the face, eyes, ankles, legs and feet.

7. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis disease where the joint is inflamed and injured due to malfunctioning of the body's autoimmune system. It can occur in the joint bones and other body parts. The hands, wrists and feet are usually attacked first and continue to the shoulders, elbows and hips.

As the joint get inflamed, several symptoms such as swelling in the joint and a little fever as well as extreme tiredness, harshness and pain might occur although may not obvious. Rheumatoid Arthritis normally attacks both the joint of the left and right sides of the body.

If the synovial lining of the joint and arteries get inflamed too, swelling of the calves and feet might occur.

8. Venous Insufficiency

Venous insufficiency may cause bilateral swelling (swelling of the both legs) as well as unilateral swelling (swelling of one leg).

Ankle and leg edema is not a disease contrary it's more to a way of your body try to alert you about the existence of certain medical reason. The above list is just some of the causes of ankle and leg edema, there're still many other conditions that may cause swelling in the lower extremities. If you're suffering a chronic swelling that doesn't go away even after a long rest, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Susie Hamilton owns and operates Water-Retention.Info, a site dedicated to provide health tips and information on water retention. Please visit Peripheral Edema for further information about fluid retention in the lower legs.

Article Source: Causes of Ankle and Leg Edema – 8 Medical Reasons

#BladderCancer Amongst Professional Painters

By Chris N. Jackson
If you are a professional painter and you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, you may be surprised to learn that the chemicals contained in the paint used could be the cause of your condition. If you have worked in a profession that caused you to be in frequent contact with paint or paint fumes, or if you worked as a decorator, artist, glazier, plasterer, or wall paper hanger, you could be at a higher risk for developing bladder cancer.
Investigators are looking into the link between exposure to paint fumes and bladder cancer. Many personal injury attorneys are taking cases where professional painters and others who are regularly exposed to fumes have developed bladder cancer, and often offer free case reviews. If you or someone you know you may be able to seek monetary compensation for your condition. You should consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss the details of your case and learn your options.
The most commonly reported symptoms of bladder cancer include the following:
- Blood clots or blood seen in the urine, a condition known as hematuria. This happens in eighty to ninety percent of all cases of bladder cancer, and is considered to be the most common symptom. Hematuria is not typically painful.
- Dysuria, which is pain or discomfort while urinating.
- Having to urinate small amounts often.
- Frequent or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
When bladder cancer advances, other symptoms may be present such as:
- Swelling of the lower legs.
- Pain in the lower back in the area near the kidneys, which is referred to as flank pain.
- Pelvic growths in the area of the bladder.
If the bladder cancer has spread throughout the body, these symptoms may occur:
- Pain in the bones, or pain in the pelvic, anal, or rectal areas.
- Anemia.
- Weight loss.
Painters are often subjected to exposure to a variety of chemicals, such as solvents that are petroleum based. These solvents include alcohols, xylene, esters, toluene, glycol ethers, and ketones. Paint strippers often contain chlorinated hydrocarbons as well. For many years, benzene was used as a paint solvent, but today is only found in low quantities in some solvents that are petroleum based. Chromium, titanium dioxide, and iron compound are frequently used as pigmentation for paint, with lead being its predecessor. Paint filler, taping compounds, and spackle can contain asbestos, and painters can also suffer harm from being exposed to silica during the preparation of surfaces in painting metal and on construction projects.
The journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine published as study in 2010 that found that professional painters, as well as those frequently exposed to paint fumes, were at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer when compared to those who do not. While a key risk factor for bladder cancer is also smoking, higher than normal numbers of the disease have been seen in workers in certain occupations such as painting. Painters are exposed to many of the same chemicals that are contained in cigarette smoke, such as aromatic amines.
Researchers who conducted the study looked at roughly three thousands cases of bladder cancer in professional painters. These patients included painters, wall paper hangers, artists, plasterers, decorators, and glaziers. After considering smoking behavior, the study found painters to be thirty percent more likely to suffer bladder cancer compared to the population in general. This suggested that painting is considered to be an independent risk factor for bladder cancer.
What's more is that there was evidence that suggested female painters are more likely to contract the disease compared to male painters; however there were only four studies that looked at women independently. Studies also found a link between the length of time a person worked as a painted and the risk for developing bladder cancer. People who worked for more than ten years as painter were more likely to develop the disease compared to those working in the field for less than ten years.
The authors of the study were not able to determine which precise reasons accounted for the elevated risk. There are many factors involved in the matter including different types of paints used, the length of time working in the field, and how long people were exposed.
With an annual death toll of one hundred and thirty thousand people, and more than three hundred and thirty thousand new cases diagnosed yearly, bladder cancer is the ninth most common type of cancer diagnosed globally. (statistics courtesy of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)) The cause of this disease is not always known, but is seen more often in people who smoke, compared to people who do not.
This type of cancer is usually seen in people who are older, with ninety percent of cases appearing after the age of fifty five. Men are almost three times more likely to develop this disease compared to women. The risk level for men developing bladder cancer at some point in his lifetime is about one in twenty six, while a woman has a one in eighty four chance. Bladder cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer noted in men.
If you or someone you know worked as a professional painter or associated occupation, were exposed to paint fumes on a regular basis, and has been diagnosed with bladder cancer, you need to know that you do have legal options and you should consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss those options. These legal professionals can help you to determine all parties that can be held accountable and can help you to recover damages for past, present, and future medical expenses, loss of income, loss of quality of life, and pain and suffering. Since most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, you do not have to worry about how to fund your claim in advance, and often pay nothing until the time your case settles.
If you are in need of a personal injury attorney please visit http://www.feldmanshepherd.com/
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Claiming For Delayed #BladderCancer Diagnosis

by Julie Glynn

Bladder cancer can become invasive very quickly. It is therefore crucial that medical professionals make a diagnosis in the early stages; if there is a delay, the outlook for recovery becomes less favourable.

How is bladder cancer diagnosed?

There are typical symptoms associated with bladder cancer that should prompt medical professionals to arrange further investigative tests. Of these, the most notable indication is blood in the urine, known medically as hematuria. Other common symptoms also include changes to the normal pattern of urination such as:-

* The need to urinate on a more frequent basis;

* The sudden urge to urinate;

* Pain when urinating.

When a patient presents with these complaints, doctors should be quick to initiate further investigation to either confirm or rule out a diagnosis of bladder cancer. The first step will be to send a urine sample to a laboratory to be tested for abnormal cells. However, this is not always accurate and so other tests will be needed. This will usually involve an intravenous urogram (IVU), a cystoscopy and, if abnormalities are found, a biopsy. Together, these tests will be able to verify whether or not a patient has bladder cancer.

Why would there be a delay in diagnosing bladder cancer?

Occasionally, people who are experiencing the typical signs of bladder cancer do not seek medical attention because they are embarrassed about their symptoms. This delay can have devastating consequences, as early treatment is necessary if a patient is to make a full recovery.

However, there are times when a delay in diagnosis lies directly with medical professionals. Indeed, we have acted for many individuals who have attended their GP or hospital with symptoms indicative of bladder cancer, only for doctors to make an inaccurate diagnosis. Often this will happen because:-

* The appropriate diagnostic tests are not arranged;

* The diagnostic tests are not accurately interpreted;

* A GP fails to make a referral to a specialist.

Does a delay in diagnosis amount to negligence?

If medical professionals are responsible for a delay in diagnosis, there could be a case of medical negligence. Nevertheless, it must be possible to establish that a delay in diagnosis contributed towards a patient's injuries. For example, if a diagnosis is not made in a timely fashion, a patient may require more extensive treatment, be left with permanent health complications or even have a reduced life expectancy. If so, the errors made by medical professionals will have caused a patient unnecessary pain and suffering. In such cases, it will be possible for a patient to pursue a medical negligence claim which, if successful, will ensure suitable compensation is awarded.

Shower Head Water Filter Review

by Dr Mehmet Oz on the Oprah Winfrey TV Show Misses Something by Gary Vonhart

Appearing on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" to discuss the importance of a shower head water filter, Dr. Mehmet Oz gave the audience and millions watching at home a wake up call about the dangers of showering in chlorine. Dr. Oz is a professor of surgery at Columbia University and now regularly shares his wealth of knowledge about health and well-being on "The Dr. Oz Show."

Let's cover the highlights and implications of what he said, then get to one vitally important idea that drives home the necessity of owning a shower head water filter.

One of the his most poignant comments was this:

"Get a charcoal filter and put it on your shower head. And the reason for that is chlorine, when it comes out [of] the water, actually dries you up a lot... and these charcoal filters will pull the chlorine out."

Dr. Oz is a strong proponent of charcoal or carbon shower filtration because it costs only pennies a day and the health benefit are surprisingly important.

He states that showerhead filters are a great defense against dry hair. But he strongly emphasizes the danger posed when you inhale shower vapors or absorb them through the skin, saying "that chlorine actually churns to a chemical." An especially important point when considering that growing children are more susceptible to respiratory diseases, allergies and skin conditions from chlorine.

So now let's look at an incredibly important concept that will make Dr. Oz's overview of a shower head water filter more valuable to you.

Evidence Suggests Filtering Your Shower Water Is More Important Than Drinking Filtered Water

Most people have heard chlorine is dangerous, but they automatically think of drinking filtered water as the first line of defense. In reality, your shower head water filter may be a better weapon against chlorine.

Studies have shown that our body takes in the same level of chemicals during a ten-minute shower than from drinking 2 liters or about half a gallon of the same water.

"Up to two-thirds of the harmful effects of chlorine are due to inhalation and skin absorption while showering."
- The American Journal Of Public Health

Here's 4 easy to understand facts that help explain why a shower head water filter is so important to your long-term health:

1. During a hot shower, the pores of your skin open up and cause the absorption rate of chlorine and other chemicals to accelerate.

2. The steam you inhale can have concentrations of chemicals that are as much as 10 to 20 times higher than unheated tap water.

3. Studies show that when chemicals are inhaled, they go directly into your bloodstream.

4. The adverse health effects of taking in chlorine when showering are magnified compared to drinking unfiltered water. Drinking water has the advantage of being filtered out by your liver and kidneys.

Inhalation and dermal absorption of chlorine and other chemicals when showering has now been linked to bladder cancer, breast cancer, childhood asthma and many other ailments and diseases.

Conclusion
While I agree with Dr Oz's praise for a charcoal filter, a better option is to get a two-stage shower filter that also incorporates the chemical removing power of KDF media. A 2-stage filtration system is much more effective than a shower filter head that only uses a single carbon media.

High quality shower head water filters range anywhere from $68 to $250. But don't worry, the two best performing systems start at under $100. When selecting a shower head water filter, I suggest that you begin your search by focusing on companies that have at least a 60 day guarantee; are NSF certified; and utilize two filter media for ultra-filtration.

Want more information about Dr. Oz's advice on a shower head water filter?

To learn more about the Aquasana Shower Filter that won Consumers Digest Magazine's "Best Buy" award from 2006 to 2008, as well as other Aquasana products, visit AquasanaForLife.com

Article Source: Shower Head Water Filter Review by Dr Mehmet Oz on the Oprah Winfrey TV Show Misses Something

How My Mother Fought With the Last Stage of Gall Bladder #Cancer

By Mridu Bhattacharya

It was 4th August, 2009, and I was expecting a call from my family to confirm my brother's visit. The call came for sure but not to confirm the visit rather than to inform me that my mother was suffering from a rare cancer disease and that was gall bladder cancer. The news came as a shock to the family and later it was confirmed to be a stage IV cancer which in lay terms can be stated as last stage cancer.

Gallbladder cancer is a cancer that starts in the gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped organ located under the right lobe of the liver and more than 9 out of 10 gallbladder cancers are adenocarcinomas that starts in cells with gland-like properties that line many internal and external surfaces of the body. The doctors confirmed that these cancer are usually not detectable in the early stage and it explained the situation to us.

This diagnosis followed multiple tests including biopsy, CA 19-9, ultrasonograpgy etc. and a chemotheraphy was suggested to her as the cancer was beyond the stage of surgery. Hence the doctors preferred to keep her on palliation. Palliative therapy is treatment that is given to help control or reduce symptoms caused by advanced cancer. It is not meant to be a curative treatment. If the cancer has spread too far to be completely removed by surgery, doctors may concentrate on palliative operations, palliative radiation, and other palliative therapies.

The 3 cycles of chemo

After 3 cycles of chemotherapy doctors told that the improvement have been noticed and they agreed to go for a surgery to remove the gall-bladder and some portion of liver. The operation took place on 16-February, 2010 and went well. The doctor removed the organ and a large portion of liver, some nearby small organs and the tumor mainly.

It was a relief to us. However the cancer didn't go entirely, the following biopsy confirmed it to be shifted to Stage II from Stage IV. The doctors have further suggested some Radiotherapy which would start from next week.

I'm writing this article in good faith that other people may read it and unfortunately if someone from their family has been detected from any awful disease, they can hope good. Here I'd like to add a phrase from the movie - Sahwshank Redemption - Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.

Working as Jr. Project Manager in Online Promotions & Internet marketing department of SynapseIndia, Noida.

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