Fight Bladder Cancer Effectively – Know the Early Signs of the Disease

Bladder cancer is not typically something that young people can expect to experience, but the fact remains that this disease can affect anyone at any age. It begins in the cells that make up the inner lining of the bladder and, if not detected early, can spread throughout the organ and even to other body parts.

At Comprehensive Urology, our doctors are specialists in bladder cancer treatment. We combine extensive training and experience with the most advanced therapies and techniques available, and we tailor every treatment to meet each patient’s unique needs.

In order to successfully fight the disease, you should be aware of the common early bladder cancer symptoms. Catching it in the early stages, especially while the cancer cells are still restricted to the bladder itself, increases your chances of having a successful outcome dramatically.

Bladder Cancer Symptoms

The symptoms of cancer of the bladder are often not specific and can be confused with other urologic disorders. However, the following are the most common signs of bladder cancer to watch out for.

Blood in Urine

Early cancer symptoms may not cause pain, but you might notice hematuria, or blood in your urine. It could turn your urine bright red, pink, dark red, or even orange. In other cases, the urine may look normal, yet after a subsequent urinalysis (such as during a routine medical checkup), the results could show microscopic amounts of blood.

While hematuria is not necessarily an accurate cancer diagnosis, it should not be ignored. Have it checked out by a urologist to see if the issue is one of the following:

• Infection
• Benign lesions
• Kidney or bladder stones
• Other benign kidney diseases

Although it could signify a less serious condition, you’ll want to be sure, especially since blood may appear one day and then not the next. In fact, your urine could stay clear for weeks.

Urination Changes

Changes in urination is a rather vague way to identify possible bladder cancer symptoms, so let’s break them down in more detail.

Frequent urination – more so than normal, even though you aren’t ingesting fluids more than normal
Pain during urination – persistent pain or burning when you urinate
Urgency to urinate – frequently feeling like you have to pee only to notice that your bladder is not full
Trouble getting started – not just in public but anytime, even in your home
Weak urine stream – not the usual intensity

Remember, the above changes are not only signs of cancer but also common signs of other, less serious urologic issues, such as stones, a urinary tract infection, a non-cancerous tumor, an overactive bladder, or, in men, an enlarged prostate.

Learn more about urinary tract infections at WebMD.com.

Back Pain

In serious cases where the disease has grown larger or spread elsewhere in the body, you might experience back pain, which is one of the many common symptoms of bladder cancer that can also be a sign of other common urinary issues.

Other, More Generalized Symptoms

You should keep in mind that cancer may cause symptoms that are less specific and can be attributed to other health conditions, such as:

• Pelvic pain
• Chronic fatigue
• Unexplained weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Unplanned weight loss
• Swelling in the feet
• Bone pain

Again, it’s important to understand that, individually, none of these bladder cancer symptoms are definitive.

However, if you start experiencing a combination of them, say three or four (or more), be safe and see a doctor – preferably a urologist for a closer analysis and clear-cut diagnosis.

Diagnostic Methods

If you suspect that you’re experiencing any one of the most common symptoms of cancer of the bladder, your doctor could determine your condition by using one of the following tests, which will look for foreign substances or cells in the urine.

Urinalysis – a urine test to detect blood and other material in urine

Urine cytology – a microscopic method of searching for cancer cells in the urine

Urinalyses for markers – cutting-edge tests that look for substances (tumor markers), such as certain antigens or chromosome changes, that could signify bladder cancer

For more information about these methods of making a cancer diagnosis, please contact Comprehensive Urology.

Common Cancer Risk Factors

If you notice the changes in bladder function or other symptoms of cancer, keep in mind the following risk factors:

• Smoking
• Age (rare in people younger than 40)
• Ethnicity (whites have a greater risk)
• Gender (men are more susceptible)
• Chemical exposure (manufacturing dyes, textiles, rubber, and paint products)
• Previous treatment for cancer
• Some diabetes medication
• Chronic inflammation of the bladder
• History of cancer in the family

Some risk factors can be avoided, such as smoking and exposure to chemicals, although others cannot, obviously.

Contact Comprehensive Urology for a Thorough Consultation

Bladder cancer can be treated effectively, especially when it’s caught in time. The treatment method varies and depends on a range of factors, so if you suspect that your symptoms could actually signify cancer, don’t hesitate to contact the Los Angeles urology and bladder cancer specialists at Comprehensive Urology today. Schedule a consultation by calling 310.307.3552 or contact us online.

In a nutshell: Bladder cancer

• Risk factors: Smoking, chemical exposures, age and ethnicity, family history, chemo or pelvic radiation therapy for other cancers
• Symptoms: Can vary but most importantly include no symptoms, blood in urine, weight loss, change in urinary frequency/urgency
• Staging: If diagnosed with bladder cancer, it is important to know if the cancer is confined to the bladder or involves other organs as this can significantly affect treatment.

Next, read The Top 5 Benefits of ThermiVa Treatment

The post Fight Bladder Cancer Effectively – Know the Early Signs of the Disease appeared first on Comprehensive Urology.

The Top 5 Benefits of ThermiVa Treatment

Did you know that as women age, the vagina gradually loses collagen? Yes, vaginal collagen is an actual thing! Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies and is found in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, the digestive system, and vaginal tissue. An easy way to understand the importance of collagen is to compare it to the reinforcing iron mesh often used in concrete structures. The iron mesh used provides support in order to give the concrete structure durability and strength. And just as concrete can age, vaginas can age, losing strength and support, ultimately requiring vaginal tightening treatment to help reduce uncomfortable laxity.

Vaginal rejuvenation treatments are often worthwhile procedures for many women because they can restore tighter, firmer tissues and muscles. There is a painless feminine rejuvenation procedure called ThermiVa available at Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles that provides immediate results and actually provides continued vaginal tightening and rejuvenation over time. ThermiVa was created to help improve the vagina’s collagen production, which in turn has many added benefits.

How Does ThermiVa Treatment Work?

ThermiVa uses controlled, therapeutic, radiofrequency energy to gently contract and tighten the labia and vaginal canal, which not only shrinks and tightens the outer tissues but also stimulates collagen and elastin fiber production, which are major components of skin and connective tissue. As a result, ThermiVa helps initiate tissue and nerve healing, while helping the skin feel firm and supple again.

Who is a Candidate for Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation?

There is a mistaken belief that the only women interested in feminine rejuvenation are women who want to reverse the effects of childbirth. While it’s true that childbirth can cause noticeable vaginal laxity, non-surgical vaginal tightening treatment can provide great benefits for all types of women, including those who:

• Have vaginal laxity
• Are not satisfied with the appearance of their labia
• Experience orgasmic problems or sexual dissatisfaction
• Suffer from urinary incontinence
• Suffer from a pelvic prolapse, such as fallen bladder or rectum
• Experience from vaginal dryness
• Are any age, with or without children

As you can see, ThermiVa can treat a wide variety of vaginal issues including a number of urinary and gynecological issues. The added benefit of receiving a ThermiVa vaginal tightening treatment is that women can achieve amazing results with feminine rejuvenation without the need for surgery, medications or unnecessary downtime.

In addition to offering an effective solution for these diverse issues, ThermiVa offers the following incredible benefits:

Tightens and Tones

ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation treatments can give great results with just a few 30 minute sessions. As a result of using radio frequency heat to treat the lax tissue, the treated area will tighten and produce new collagen, which will improve vaginal tone. Toning the structure of the feminine tissue is important for experiencing improvement in incontinence issues, physical sensation, and moisture production. Tightening the vaginal tissues also improves support and initiates regeneration of nervous tissue, which helps improve symptoms associated with an overactive bladder.

Pain-Free Rejuvenation

ThermiVa is a non-surgical vaginal tightening treatment that is conducted during a comfortable in-office procedure that does not require anesthesia. During the session, ultrasound gel is applied to the intended treatment area and the session consists of radio frequency heat energy delivered through a soft plastic probe that is carefully moved over and inside the feminine tissue heating the tissue in a safe, controlled manner. Not only is the ThermiVa treatment gentle, most clients say it reminds them of a spa treatment, like a warm massage.

Treatment Results are Immediate and Improve with Time

It’s true that results can vary from person to person, but ThermiVa provides immediate vaginal tightening results that will gradually continue to improve over time.

The Results Are Long-Lasting

The final results of a series of ThermiVa treatments will provide results that can last nine months to a year. Usually, for best results with vaginal cosmetic treatments, a series of three treatments over three months is needed to get the most improvement. A single ThermiVa session takes approximately 30 minutes, making it one of the most time-efficient treatments available in Los Angeles.

No Down Time Required

The best part about ThermiVa is that clients can go home, go out, be intimate, exercise, and relax immediately after the session. There is no limitation or downtime necessary when undergoing non-invasive vaginal tightening with ThermiVa.

ThermiVa vaginal cosmetic treatment is the perfect procedure to help women reclaim, restore, and revive their feminine wellness. The non-surgical treatment safely and effectively rejuvenates and provides needed vaginal tightening without discomfort or downtime.

To learn more about this exciting treatment, please visit ThermiVA.com.

Call Comprehensive Urology for Revitalizing Feminine Treatments Today!

If you are interested in ThermiVa or would like to address another urological issue, such as incontinence, dryness, or laxity, contact a skilled urologist in Los Angeles for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment options. Our team at Comprehensive Urology are leaders in vaginal tightening and rejuvenation and have extensive experience helping women of all ages reclaim their feminine wellness. Call (310) 499-2756 today to schedule an appointment or comprehensive exam today!

Next, read our blog, The Benefits of HIFU Over Traditional Prostate Cancer Surgery.

The post The Top 5 Benefits of ThermiVa Treatment appeared first on Comprehensive Urology.

The Benefits of HIFU Over Traditional Prostate Cancer Surgery

For a man, one of the most dreaded phrases you can hear is “You have prostate cancer.” This is especially true for American men, as it is the second leading killer among all cancers. Traditionally, prostate cancer treatment has been restricted to surgery (complete removal of the gland) or radiation therapy, both of which can be effective and even life-saving.

Unfortunately, traditional prostate cancer treatments not only affect the entire prostate gland and cancer cells in it, but also cause other side effects on adjacent organs. These side effects lead to the troublesome trio of side effects that all men worry about when it comes to prostate cancer treatment:

• Urinary incontinence (urine leakage after surgery) or bladder irritation (after radiation)
• Leftover cancer cells or lesions
• Adverse effects on sexual function (weakening or loss of erections)

For these and other reasons, many men seeking prostate cancer treatment are looking for alternative procedures that are as effective as the traditional options, if not more, but with fewer negative effects. Moreover, patients want alternative options that do not compromise the cancer treatment and require less recovery and downtime.

At Comprehensive Urology, the premier Los Angeles prostate cancer center, in addition to traditional options, we are proud to offer high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) as a cutting-edge alternative treatment method. HIFU can offer a chance of cure while maintaining potency and urinary control in select patients. Although HIFU treatment has several advantages over traditional treatments, you and your doctor should discuss your condition as well as all options so you can make an informed decision about the best treatment for you.

In order to provide as much information as possible regarding your options, please read the following to learn about several advantages that HIFU has over traditional prostate cancer treatments.

The Top Advantages of HIFU Treatment

Minimally Invasive Procedure

The ultrasound technology behind HIFU is the latest in prostate cancer treatment. The innovative technology uses precise ultrasonic energy to target and kill only cancerous lesions in the prostate. All safety margins are acknowledged and the ultrasound waves precisely target all surgeon-defined targets without damaging surrounding tissue.

With traditional invasive prostate cancer treatment methods, which are inherently invasive, the entire gland is removed or irradiated. Furthermore, surgery removes both healthy gland tissue and surrounding tissue while radiation affects the whole gland and surrounding tissue.

Reduced Recovery Period

HIFU treatment causes only minimal cell damage to the prostate as a whole, and, because it is minimally invasive, also causes no blood loss or other similar trauma. This allows you to get back to your normal schedule within a few days of HIFU treatment with no radiation or surgical side effects.

With traditional treatment methods, which are typically invasive, recovery times are different (i.e., more extensive). Surgery causes longer recovery and healing times and radiation treatment usually requires several radiation sessions, therefore, recovery is often ongoing and extensive as well.

Decreased Risk of Sexual Impotency

Due to the minimal invasiveness of HIFU treatment, the chances of experiencing impotence or erectile dysfunction are reduced. For men still virile into their 50s and beyond, this is a very important consideration.

On the other hand, treatments such as radiation therapy or hormone therapy, while often successful in treating cancer of the prostate, can affect your sex life by interfering with your ability to get and maintain an erection.

More Bladder Control

Because HIFU treatment uses precise ultrasound technology in order to focus on the diseased cells, incontinence issues are greatly reduced. Many men report minimal or even no urine leakage and greater bladder control following the procedure.

Traditional treatment methods, such as surgery and radiation, often cause incontinence or bowel disorders as side effects.

A Quick Procedure

HIFU treatment is normally a single-session outpatient procedure that lasts about two hours. There is no need for a hospital stay and there should be no reason why you can’t be home the same day.  However, be aware that this does depend on the size of your prostate as well as the stage of cancer growth.

Surgery, on the other hand, is more complicated and usually takes 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the gland and the extent of the cancer.

Fewer Side Effects

In addition to reduced risks of both incontinence and sexual dysfunction, other side effects from HIFU treatment are normally mild or minimal. You will suffer no loss of blood and no radiation, incisions, bandages, scars, or a hospital stay.

While it’s true that you most likely will have to live with an inserted catheter for several days after the procedure, you should suffer no issues with bladder control. The catheter is only used on a temporary basis.

In a nutshell, HIFU is a state of the art prostate cancer treatment with numerous benefits over traditional prostate cancer surgery:

• Minimally invasive treatment option for localized prostate cancer.
• Benefits: no cutting or radiation, single outpatient procedure, no or minimal risk of sexual dysfunction or urine leakage, short recovery usually within few days.

The Key to Any Effective Cancer Is Early Detection

Regardless of which prostate cancer treatment you and your urologist decide is right for you, early prostate cancer detection is crucial to your recovery and, in some cases, survival.

Once any cancer is detected, then an extensive consultation with your doctor to learn your options will be necessary. If the benefits of HIFU treatment can work for you, then it might be the best choice for you.

Learn More about High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy

To find out more about whether or not HIFU treatment is the best choice for you, contact the prostate cancer specialists at Comprehensive Urology in Beverly Hills. Contact us online to schedule a consultation or simply call us at 310.499.2756.

Next, read our blog, 4 Everyday Incontinence Issues Solved by Urolift Procedures.

The post The Benefits of HIFU Over Traditional Prostate Cancer Surgery appeared first on Comprehensive Urology.