"Why do I feel fine when I've been diagnosed with cancer?" This is a common sentiment among many patients with urological tumors.
The urinary system, an essential part of the human body, plays a crucial role in waste elimination. However, it often goes unnoticed. In recent years, the incidence of urological tumors has been steadily rising, with prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer being the most common.
1. Characteristics of Blood in Urine Associated with Urological Cancers
Blood in urine is one of the most common symptoms of urinary system diseases. While microscopic hematuria can be detected during routine check-ups, many patients seek medical attention due to apparent blood in urine without any obvious cause. Factors such as inflammation, stones, and tumors can lead to hematuria. However, when this symptom arises from the three major urological malignancies (after excluding medication and dietary factors), it often presents a specific characteristic: painless visible hematuria.
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Prostate Cancer (Common in Advanced Stages)
Although painless visible hematuria is not the initial or most common symptom, it may appear as a sign in advanced stages when the tumor invades the bladder or urethral mucosa. This symptom may come and go within a few days. -
Bladder Cancer (Often Present Early)
Early symptoms of bladder cancer are relatively pronounced, with painless visible hematuria being one of the most distinctive signs. -
Kidney Cancer (Common in Advanced Stages)
Early kidney cancer typically shows no apparent symptoms. However, as the tumor grows and spreads, patients may experience painless visible hematuria throughout urination, with the urine appearing red or dark red continuously. Therefore, if you notice painless visible hematuria, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly for further evaluation.
2. How to Detect the "Big Three" Early? Essential Tests to Conduct!
Early detection and treatment of urological tumors can significantly improve patient survival rates. Unfortunately, many patients lack awareness of the disease and neglect routine check-ups, often missing the optimal treatment opportunities. High-risk groups, in particular, can greatly benefit from regular screenings.
Key screening methods for prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers include:
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Serum PSA Screening—Prostate Cancer
The most commonly used method for prostate cancer screening involves collecting a blood sample for laboratory analysis. Generally, a serum PSA level over 4.0 ng/ml is considered abnormal; the higher the PSA, the greater the likelihood of cancer. -
Urinalysis and Ultrasound—Bladder Cancer
Urinalysis can detect red blood cells in urine, indicating hematuria. Ultrasound is a common imaging technique for screening bladder cancer and can identify bladder tumors. -
Ultrasound Examination—Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer often shows no obvious early symptoms, but regular ultrasound examinations can effectively capture abnormal changes in the kidneys, particularly the presence of malignant tumors.
3. What to Do If You Are Diagnosed with a Urological Tumor? Standardized Treatment Is Key to Improving Survival Rates
With ongoing advancements in medical technology, treatment methods for urological tumors are continuously evolving. Standardized treatment is crucial for enhancing survival rates and improving the quality of life for patients.
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Early Detection
The early symptoms of urological tumors are often subtle; therefore, regular check-ups and screenings are essential. -
Comprehensive Treatment
Treatment should primarily involve surgery, combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. The treatment plan should be personalized based on the patient's specific circumstances to achieve the best outcomes. -
Preserving Function
In treating urological tumors, it is important to focus not only on tumor control and increasing survival rates but also on the patient's quality of life. Utilizing comprehensive treatment strategies can help effectively control the tumor while preserving the functions of the bladder and kidneys, thus enhancing life quality.
By staying vigilant and proactive about symptoms and screenings, individuals can significantly improve their chances of early detection and successful treatment of urological cancers.