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9 kidney cancer warning signs to be aware of

9 kidney cancer warning signs to be aware of

When cells grow out of control in one’s kidney tissues, it causes kidney cancer. Kidneys are the bean-shaped organs responsible for flushing out toxins, regulating fluids, maintaining electrolyte balance, and many other essential bodily functions. Tumor growth can disrupt these vital functions and cause different health complications. The condition does not usually show symptoms in its early stages, but here are some warning signs that may surface over time and indicate cancer growth in the kidneys.

Warning signs of kidney cancer
These are a few warning signs of kidney cancer to look out for:

1. Pain or discomfort in the side or back
Kidneys are located behind one’s abdominal organs, one on either side of the spine. So, any tumor formation in the kidneys can cause persistent pain or discomfort in the side or lower back. This pain may come and go, but if it is recurrent and unrelated to any other apparent cause, it is better to discuss it with a healthcare professional.

2. Flank pain
Flank is the region between the lower ribs and hips. Kidney cancer patients may experience discomfort in this area, and it may vary in intensity, from sharp or persistent to dull sensations that may surface occasionally. The pain may be more pronounced on one side, but it can affect both sides simultaneously.

3. Blood in urine
As the tumor grows, it can damage the delicate blood vessels in the kidney, causing hematuria, or blood in the urine.

4. Unexplained increase or decrease in body mass
Sudden and unexplained changes in one’s body mass are often a symptom associated with various types of cancer, including kidney cancer. This is often seen without any active or significant changes in one’s routine, either eating habits or lifestyle, so one is advised to investigate the underlying cause of this symptom.

5. Fatigue and weakness
Feeling excessively tired and weak, even after adequate rest, can be a sign of kidney cancer. Invasive cancer cells consume excessive energy and nutrients to multiply, which can lead to persistent fatigue.

6. Fever
With kidney cancer, one may experience a low-grade fever that has no specific cause, like infection, and doesn’t seem to go away easily.

7. Lump or mass in the abdomen
Occasionally, a palpable lump or mass may be felt in the abdominal area. This is often an advanced indicator of kidney cancer. If someone notices an unusual lump or swelling, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional immediately.

8. High blood pressure
Kidney cancer can sometimes raise blood pressure, although hypertension has many other potential causes. Regular blood pressure checks are essential for monitoring overall health, and if there are significant discrepancies in the readings, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for further diagnosis.

9. Loss of appetite and anemia
Kidney cancer can affect the production of red blood cells, leading to anemia, fatigue, paleness, and a loss of appetite. One may feel full even after eating an abnormally small amount of food. One may also notice a spike or drop in one’s platelet count in a blood test.

Causes of kidney cancer
The condition’s cause is unclear to medical professionals, but there are some recognized risk factors. Some of them include abnormal gene mutations, old age, family history of the condition, other existing health conditions like high blood pressure or tuberous sclerosis, and long-term use of dialysis treatment or radiation therapy, especially by women with reproductive cancer. Detrimental lifestyle factors can also increase one’s chances of kidney cancer.
Kidney cancer cases are often discovered accidentally during the performance of an imaging test or a computed tomography (CT) scan conducted for an unrelated purpose. So, it’s essential to get regular health check-ups done and seek medical help if any signs are detected.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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5 early signs of colon cancer one should not ignore

Colon cancer, like many other malignancies, can be effectively treated and cured when it is localized to the bowel. To achieve that objective, diagnosing this condition in its earliest stages is imperative for both healthcare professionals and possible patients. Detecting colon cancer in its initial grades requires people to pay attention to certain signs and symptoms that their body is showing. Here are some of the early signs of colon cancer to help diagnose it quickly: Tenesmus One of the most common ways in which colon cancer manifests itself in people is through tenesmus. In this condition, a person will experience the desperate urge to use the restroom multiple times, even after they have defecated. This sign indicates that there is a kind of malignant pressure on the colon areas. This pressure makes a person constantly feel like their bowel movement is incomplete whenever they visit the toilet to pass stools. People experiencing this sign must visit a local healthcare expert as soon as possible to get themselves screened for colon cancer. Ongoing discomfort in the belly area The presence of a tumor in the lower intestine causes issues like pain, belly cramps, gas, or a wobbly feeling. These are generally considered to be red flags of colon cancer. Unfortunately, due to the common nature of these symptoms, people may mistake them for having a bad tummy, food poisoning, or other relatively smaller health issues. Anemia One of the most significant indicators of colon cancer in its initial stages is a lack of oxygen in one's blood. Colon cancer causes a loss of blood from the lower intestine without the knowledge of the person experiencing it. This directly causes a loss of red blood cells in the body of such individuals. These cells are the main conductors of oxygen in the body. Their absence causes anemia, which can be identified by typical symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, pale skin, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, and weakness. Fatigue and weakness Blood is the main carrier of oxygen and nutrients in an individual's body. So, when those two elements are lacking in the body, organs will not receive the oxygen and nourishment needed for daily functioning and basic sustenance. Blood carries oxygen to critical organs such as the brain and lungs. So, when an individual has early-stage colon cancer, these organs will ultimately not receive these elements, resulting in such individuals constantly feeling a sense of fatigue and weakness throughout the day. Even simple tasks such as climbing a flight of stairs or walking a few paces will seem herculean when energy, oxygen, and nutrient levels are so low throughout one's body. Fatigue and weakness are among the clearest indicators of most types of cancer (and many other health conditions as well). Therefore, to get to the root of the situation, one needs to consult a healthcare expert when they experience fatigue regularly. Drastic change in bowel habits Colon cancer affects the bowels and the pathway through which one's feces reach the anus and are released outwards. So, one might experience symptoms such as bowel thinning, an increased frequency of defecation, and pain during defecation when they have early-stage colon cancer.

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