Everyone knows that cancer in most cases is not the easiest disease to treat. The procedure is long, riddled with mental, physical, and emotional pain, and takes a lot out of the patient and their support system. With it being quite a common condition in today’s world, most people have started going for regular check-ups to ensure they are clear of the threat of a positive diagnosis. However, not many people are aware that diagnosing this disease poses its fair share of challenges too, especially in a type like kidney or renal cancer, where sometimes, it cannot be diagnosed until the accompanying symptoms are observed. The treatments for renal or kidney cancer vary according to the symptoms exhibited and the stage at which it has been detected. Given below are some of the procedures for diagnosis and treatments for kidney cancer for one to know about: 1. Urine test The test for any kind of anomaly in the kidney can be detected in a urine test. In case of any signs of blood in the urine, the specialists will conduct a urine cytology which checks for cancer symptoms and signs. 2. Blood test Basic blood tests or other hormonal tests can help in detecting any kind of abnormality in kidney functioning.

The liver is an essential organ of the body and is located below the ribs. It produces bile, a liquid that helps the body to digest vitamins, fats, and nutrients. It also breaks down medications and toxins. However, the development of cancer in the liver destroys cells and affects the functions of the liver. While there are many liver cancer treatments, it is advisable to choose preventive measures. Abdominal swelling, loss of appetite, vomiting and nausea, chalky stools, enlarged liver, and weight loss are a few common symptoms of liver cancer. Diagnosing the stage of liver cancer can help choose the right liver cancer treatment. There are different ways to diagnose liver cancer, such as a blood test, ultrasound, MRI, and liver biopsy. 1. Causes Learning about the causes of liver cancer can help you to prevent the damage and development of cancer. The factors that increase the risk of liver cancer include: Hepatitis B and C There is a higher risk of chronic infection of hepatitis B or C via unprotected sex, blood transfusion, or sharing unsterilized needles. Inherited liver disease In case a family member has a history of liver disease, there are higher chances of developing liver cancer.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder during which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. It can be fatal in severe conditions and needs immediate medical attention if suspected. The sleep disorder is caused when the muscles in the back of the throat relax, which support the soft palate and the tongue, among other parts. Due to this relaxing, the airway becomes narrow and closes as one breathes in, lowering the oxygen levels in the blood and sending a signal to the brain, which then rouses the body. If one snores loudly when sleeping and feels tired after a full night’s sleep; they are likely to be suffering from sleep apnea. Types of sleep apnea include the following: Obstructive sleep apnea: This type of sleep apnea occurs when throat muscles relax. Central sleep apnea: The symptoms of central sleep apnea occur when the brain does not send the required signals to the muscles that control breathing. Complex sleep apnea syndrome: This type of sleep apnea showcases both the symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea. The symptoms of the condition develop gradually and make it difficult for one to sleep in the advanced stages. The common symptoms and signs of sleep apnea include:

Contraception and birth control methods are the means a couple uses to prevent unwanted pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted infections. There are at least 15 main types of contraception and birth control methods that one can use. The methods listed below are designed to provide the user with protection by not letting the sperm fertilize the egg, limiting and reducing egg production, and preventing any fertilized eggs from attaching to the womb. 1. Efficacy of the main types of birth control methods While there are various methods by which you can opt for contraception, you should know that not all of them are 100% effective. Even the condom carries a 3% risk factor, where it does not function as it is supposed to. Some of the contraception methods used are listed as 99% effective, where it does not work for one in 100 women. Some of the other methods such as a birth pill, often come with the phrase “if used correctly.” Women are often required to use the birth pill regularly and for a specific period, either before or after intercourse. If they do not use it as directed, then the pill may not be as effective in preventing pregnancies.

The types of systemic amyloidosis differ from each other with regards to the biochemical nature of the amyloid deposit. While some conditions are inherited, the others are acquired. Moreover, some types of systemic amyloidosis share similar features with other diseases. As a result, these types of amyloid are difficult to define during diagnosis, as there is a difference in the treatment: 1. AL (primary) amyloidosis The acquired plasma cell disorder or primary amyloidosis occurs when the monoclonal immunoglobulin light chain is formed in the bone marrow, which is mostly found in the urine or blood. Primary amyloidosis occurs occasionally with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, lymphoma, or myeloma. In this type of amyloidosis, the amyloid fibrils are formed of lambda or kappa proteins. Primary amyloidosis is considered to be amyloid because of the light chains. Symptoms of this type of amyloidosis can develop in any organ and can include kidney or heart failure, protein in the urine, swollen tongue or liver, and neuropathy. Treating the condition through chemotherapy would include high doses of medications and stem cell transplantation. This can put the disease of the bone marrow in remission and protect the target organs. 2. AA (secondary) amyloidosis Inflammatory diseases like granulomatous ileitis, osteomyelitis, Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) or rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic infections can cause secondary amyloidosis.