March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that this type of cancer is one of the 10 most common in America? It is estimated that more than 70,000 new cases occur each year. More men than women are diagnosed with this disease, and usually later in life. It is our job to inform people of the risks, symptoms, and treatment options related to kidney cancer because, as we have seen with other types of disease, knowledge is power.

What Causes Kidney Tumors?

There is no singular cause that has been identified through scientific research. Studies indicate the factors that can contribute to the formation of kidney masses. They include:

• Obesity and poor eating habits
• Smoking
• Heredity
• Exposure to chlorinated chemicals
• High blood pressure

Symptoms of a Kidney Mass

Symptoms are rare during the early stages of a kidney mass. As the tumor grows, the following may occur:

• Side pain between the ribs and hips
• Persistent pain on one side of the low back that is not related to an injury
• Blood in the urine
• Low red blood cell count
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Persistent fever unrelated to infection

Diagnosing and Treating Kidney Masses

More than half of kidney tumors are found accidentally. The mass may be discovered during a routine exam or screening to assess another health complaint. A urologist is often involved in the diagnostic process and is the specialist who develops the most appropriate treatment plan for kidney tumors. Using various labs and forms of diagnostic imaging, a urologist grades and stages the tumor. Treatment is then planned based on that measurement. The goal of treatment is to eliminate cancer cells and, when possible, preserve kidney function.

Not all kidney tumors require surgery. Generally, treatment options include:

• Active surveillance. Periodic measurements of the tumor. Appropriate for tumors up to 3 cm.
• The use of hot or cold therapy to destroy the tumor.
• Partial nephrectomy. The removal of part of the kidney.
• Radical nephrectomy. Complete removal of the affected kidney.

In our Chattanooga, TN urology office, our mission is to treat urologic conditions such as kidney tumors promptly, so the patient can regain peace of mind and quality of life. To learn more about our services, call: (423) 778-5910.

Kidney stones are not uncommon. Many adults require treatment for this condition at some point. But children? Could a solid piece of material formed from matter in the urine get trapped in a child’s kidney? Yes, it could. Here, we discuss details about kidney stones and what parents need to know about pediatric urology as a resource for kidney stone symptoms.

What is a Kidney Stone?

A kidney stone gets its name from its structure. A stone is a solid piece of matter that forms when substances found in the urine become concentrated in the kidneys. Kidney stones may remain in the kidneys or may travel down the urinary tract, depending on size. When a small kidney stone passes, it may present no symptoms at all. The larger a stone is, the more likely it is to cause discomfort, urinary problems, and even blood in the urine.

The urinary tract is a type of drainage system through which extra water and wastes are removed from the body. This system includes two kidneys, two ureters, the bladder, and one urethra. One kidney is located on each side of the body, toward the middle of the back and below the ribs. These small organs filter about 3 ounces of blood every minute. Wastes and extra water are removed from the blood and become urine. Urine is stored in the bladder until it is excreted through the ureter.

Kidney Stones in Children

Studies are ongoing to measure statistics related to pediatric kidney stones. Urologists have reported an increasing number of cases in recent years, though it is unclear why. Based on current information, we know that kidney stones are more common in adults but could occur in infants, children, and teens of all ethnicities.

Kidney stones form as a result of a buildup of particular materials found in the urine. These include magnesium calcium, phosphorous, and oxalate. This accumulation of matter may occur for several reasons. In children, it seems as though kidney stones are primarily diagnosed secondary to an anatomic abnormality in the urinary tract. 

However, genetic and lifestyle factors can also contribute to this condition.

If a child has pain while urinating, sharp pain in the lower abdomen or back, or blood in the urine, they could benefit from a visit with a pediatric urologist. In cases of small kidney stones, no formal treatment may be needed. Larger kidney stones may be broken apart using focused ultrasound waves. Our renowned team of urologists develops treatment based on the factors of each case.

We’re here to help you and your family thrive. Call (423) 778-5910 for more information regarding pediatric urology and kidney stones.

Dr. Amar Singh featured in the article, “After rough ride, Jim Trubey is back in his Santa suit.” Read the full article here or watch a video about Santa Jim to learn more about Dr. Singh’s kidney stone treatment.

When we hear about cancer, it is usually breast cancer or skin cancer. However, did you know that kidney cancer is up there among the top ten cancer diagnoses in our country? It is estimated that approximately 14,000 deaths may occur each year as a result of this disease. It is not the risk of mortality that warrants discussion, although that is, of course, important. What we want to point out is that 75-80% of patients diagnosed with stage I or II kidney cancer survive. The more you know, the better you can guard your health.

The Healthy Kidneys

Kidneys are known as the filtration system for the blood. Every day, these to bean-shaped organs cleanse approximately 150 quarts of blood. They remove not only water but waste, which are then excreted as urine. The kidneys also house the adrenal glands, which are crucial to regulation of sex hormones, fluids, potassium, and blood sugar. The adrenals produce adrenaline when we are stressed, and aid in the production of red blood cells via erythropoetin.

Tumors and what They Could Mean

It is not the presence of a tumor or lesion on the kidney that raises concerns, it is the likelihood that a tumor could be malignant, or cancerous. Symptoms of kidney tumors may include:

• Back, abdominal, or side pain that lingers
• Blood in the urine
• Chronic fatigue and diagnosed anemia
• An abdominal lump
• Poor appetite followed by weight loss

If a kidney tumor is suspected, further evaluation will take place with ultrasound examination, urinalysis, blood work, and other diagnostic testing as needed to confirm status of the condition.

Kidney cancer may be treated in a number of ways. How we treat the condition will depend on several factors, including the stage and grade of the tumor itself, age of the patient, health history and general health at the time of treatment, and the anatomy of the kidney.

When kidney cancer is caught early, surgical removal of the tumor often provides an excellent prognosis. Additional therapies to consider include radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

If you have a history of kidney cancer in your family, or want to know more about risk factors for this condition, speak with your physician. We are also happy to answer questions regarding kidney cancer diagnostic testing and treatment options. Contact UT Urology at (423) 778-8765.

If you know someone who has had a kidney stone, you know someone who has likely experienced some of the worst pain of his or her life. Because stones are more prevalent in men than in women, and because one bout with kidney stones creates a higher likelihood of another, we want to help you implement habits that will reduce your risk.

What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are small crystals that form in the urinary tract. They may be comprised of oxalate and calcium, or of cystine, uric acid, or struvite. Calcium and oxalate stones are the most common. As if the painful presence of stones were not enough, this condition can lead to other, more serious problems, such as infection or kidney necrosis.

Preventing Kidney Stones

Research on kidney stones has revealed that there may be several dietary habits that lower one’s risk of initial or future stones. These include:

• Drink as much water as possible. Usually 10, 10-oz glasses of water are recommended. Dehydration is a key risk factor in developing urinary stones. Drinking caffeinated beverages, and alcohol may dehydrate you further. Apple cider vinegar and beer, no matter what you have heard, do not help prevent stones or help with stone passage. Switching from regular to diet soda may be helpful but does not take then place of drinking water.
• Lemon water provides you with necessary potassium citrate. This alkalizing drink can inhibit the formation of stones by lowering the acidity of urine. Potassium citrate can also prevent existing stones from growing. For therapeutic benefit, you need 4oz of lemon juice throughout the day, added to water. Lemonade usually has too much sugar and may not help with stone prevention.
• Limit animal protein intake.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. They contain potassium, fiber, magnesium, antioxidants, phytate and citrate, all of which may help keep stones from forming.
• Minimize salt intake to decrease calcium in the urine.
• Reduce the amount of oxalate in your diet. Foods that include high amounts of oxalate include spinach, rhubarb, almonds, chocolate, peanuts or tea. You do not have to remove these things completely from your diet but consuming them in moderation is recommended.
• Reduce refined sugar intake, as some substances promote acid retention in the urine which can lead to uric acid stones.

Individuals who have had recurrent stones, complex, large stones, or developed them as children may require an extensive evaluation of their blood and urine to determine the exact cause.

Our practice also offers supplements to help reduce stone formation. These may be beneficial if you are unable to strictly adhere to the dietary and lifestyle suggestions above or can be used in addition to the other prevention measures. We utilize Theralith XR(link https://www.theralogix.com/product-listing/products-by-category/sp/theralogix-theralith-xr/). This has a combination of vitamins and minerals designed to support and maintain normal urine chemistry.

Questions about kidney stones? Call UT Erlanger Urology. Our urologists located in Chattanooga are experts in managing simple and complicated stone disease. We are a teaching and research site for Boston Scientific and offer cutting-edge and minimally invasive ways to treat stones. We also strive to educate our patients on ways to prevent stones from forming so as to avoid any further pain and lost time with family and at work.