Posts

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

1. Epidemiology and Risk Factors Most common kidney cancer in adults  (80-85% of cases). Peak incidence : 60-70 years old. Male-to-female ratio : 2:1. Risk factors : Smoking. Obesity. Hypertension. Chronic kidney disease (especially dialysis-related cystic disease). Genetic syndromes (e.g., von Hippel-Lindau disease, hereditary papillary RCC, Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome). 2. Pathophysiology Originates from proximal tubular epithelial cells . Clear cell RCC  (70-80% of cases): Associated with  VHL gene mutations  (chromosome 3p deletion). Leads to overexpression of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) and angiogenesis (e.g., VEGF, PDGF). Papillary RCC  (10-15%): Type 1: Associated with MET proto-oncogene mutations. Type 2: More aggressive. Chromophobe RCC  (5%): Better prognosis than clear cell and papillary types. Oncocytoma : Benign tumor, often incidental finding. 3. Clinical Presentation Classic triad  (seen in <10% of cases): Flank pain. Hematuria. Palpa...
Post a Comment
Read more

Bladder Cancer Summary

Epidemiology: - Most common type: Urothelial carcinoma (90-95% of cases). - Risk factors: - Smoking (most significant risk factor). - Occupational exposure to chemicals (e.g., aromatic amines, dyes, rubber, paint). - Chronic bladder irritation (e.g., recurrent UTIs, indwelling catheters, schistosomiasis). - Age >55, male gender, Caucasian race. - Genetic predisposition (e.g., Lynch syndrome). --- Clinical Presentation: - Most common symptom: Painless gross hematuria (85% of cases). - Other symptoms: - Microscopic hematuria. - Irritative voiding symptoms (e.g., dysuria, urgency, frequency). - Flank pain (if ureteral obstruction occurs). - Advanced disease: Weight loss, pelvic pain, or bone pain (metastasis). --- Diagnosis: 1. Urinalysis: - Hematuria (gross or microscopic). - May show malignant cells on urine cytology (more sensitive for high-grade tumors). 2. Cystoscopy: - Gold standard for diagnosis. - Allows direct visualisation and biopsy of suspiciou...
Post a Comment
Read more