Diseases of the kidneys and bladder

Many people think that the kidneys only make and eliminate urine. However the kidneys have many other jobs too. As an example, among other functions, they are important in the regulation of blood pressure, since they regulate the amount of fluid in the body and that influences the volume of blood.

The ureters connect the kidneys with the bladder. The bladder has a maximum capacity of 800 ml. A strong urge to urinate already starts at 300 ml. Internal and external sphincter muscles of the bladder make sure that it stays tightly closed. The external sphincter muscle can be contracted voluntarily.

Possible diseases of the kidneys and bladder range from renal pelvis or bladder inflammations through kidney stones to kidney or urinary bladder cancer. Kidney injuries are also common – they range from mild kidney contusion through renal tissue laceration to complete crushing of the organ.

Kidney cancer

In contrast to other diseases, there are no early warning signs for kidney cancer. Once the urine is bloody or pain is present in the flank, the stage is already far advanced. The tumour stage is the most important prognostic factor. If the tumours are small and limited to the organ. the chances for healing are good. Urinary bladder cancer becomes manifest through bloody urine too. The carcinoma grows in the superficial cell layer of the urinary bladder, later it penetrates deeper and eventually it involves the surrounding organs.

An accurate dignosis is very important in case of a disease of the kidneys or urinary tract so that the appropriate therapy can be started as early as possible.

Please read on:

• The examination
• Kidneys & Bladder: The examination