Urology Flashcards
What is the function of the urinary tract
Collect urine produced continuously by the kidneys
To store collected urine safely
To expel urine when socially acceptable
Where are the kidneys located
Retroperitoneal between T11 and L3
What is the blood supply of the kidneys
Renal artery direct from the aorta at L1 level
How much urine does each kidney produce per day
1-1.5L of urine per day
How long are the ureters
25-30cm
Describe the course of the ureters
Run over the poses muscle, cross the iliac vessels at the pelvic brim and insert into the trigone of bladder
What are the three points of narrowing in the ureter
Pelvo-uteric junction
Crossing iliac vessels
Crossing trigone of bladder
How is reflux of urine prevented
Valvular mechanisms at the vesicoureteric junction
Describe the nervous control of the bladder and sphincter
- Parasympathetic nerve (Pelvic nerve (S2-S4)
- ACH
- Involuntary control - Sympathetic nerves (Hypogastric plexus, T11-L2)
- Noradrenaline
- involuntary control - Somatic nerve (Pudendal nerve S2-S4)
- Onuf’s nucleus
- ACH - Afferent pelvic nerve
- Sensory nerve
- Signals from detrusor muscle
Describe the neural control of micturition
Cortex = voluntary control
Pontine micturition centre/periaqueductal grey = coordination of voiding
Sacral micturition centre
Onuf’s nucleus = guarding reflex
Is the detrusor muscle relaxed or contracted during storage?
Relaxed.
Is the detrusor muscle relaxed or contracted during voiding?
Contracted.
Is the urethral sphincter relaxed or contracted during storage?
Contracted.
Is the urethral sphincter relaxed or contracted during voiding?
Relaxed.
What type of epithelium lines the bladder?
Urothelium (transitional epithelium) - pseudo-stratified.
Describe the physiology of micturition.
The bladder fills and stretch receptors are stimulated. Afferent impulses stimulate parasympathetic action of detrusor muscle; it contracts. The urethral sphincters relax; this is mediated by inhibition of the neurones to them. The PAG is stimulated.
Describe the storage phase
- Bladder fills continuously as urine is produced by kidney and is passed through the ureters into the bladder
- Normal adult bladder capacity 400-500ml with first sensation at 100-200ml
- As the volume in the bladder increases the pressure remains low due to “receptive relaxation” and detrusor muscle compliance (Sympathetic mediated)
Describe the filling phase
- At lower volumes the afferent pelvic nerve sends slow firing signals to the pons via the spinal cord
- Sympathetic nerve (hypogastric plexus) stimulation maintains detrusor muscle relaxation
- Somatic (Pudendal) nerve stimulation maintains urethral contraction
Describe the micturition reflex
- Micturition reflex is an autonomic spinal reflex
- Higher volumes stimulate the afferent pelvic nerve to send fast signals to the sacral micturition centre in the sacral spinal cord
- Pelvic parasympathetic nerve is stimulated and the detrusor muscle contracts
- Pudendal nerve is inhibited and the external sphincter relaxes
Describe the process of bladder emptying
- Coordinated detrusor contraction with external sphincter relaxation to expel urine from bladder
- A positive feedback loop is generated until all urine is expelled
- Detrusor relaxation and external sphincter contraction after complete emptying of bladder
Describe the guarding reflex
- Voluntary control of micturition can occur in anatomically and functionally normal adults
- Afferent signals from the pelvic nerve are received by the PMC/PAG and transmitted to higher cortical centres
- If voiding is inappropriate the guarding reflex occurs
- Sympathetic (hypogastric) nerve stimulation results in detrusor relaxation
- Pudendal nerve stimulation results in contraction of the external urethral sphincter
Detrusor relaxation is controlled by what nerve
Sympathetic stimulation T11-L2
External urethral sphincter contraction is controlled by what nerve
Pudendal stimulation (S2-S4)
Detrusor contraction is controlled by what nerve
Pelvic nerve -= Parasympathetic stimulation S2-S4
External urethral sphincter relaxation is controlled by what nerve
Pudendal inhibition S2-S4
What is the normal function of the lower urinary tract
- Convert a continuous process of excretion (Urine production) to an intermittent process of elimination
- Store urine insensibly
- Void urine when convenient
What does the detrusor muscle do during storage
Relaxes
What does the detrusor muscle due during voiding
Contracts
What does the distal sphincter do during storage
Contracts
What does the distal sphincter do during voiding
Relaxes
What is the role of the parasympathetic S2S4 nerve in neural control of LUT
Drives detrusor contraction
What is the role of the sympathetic (T10-L2) nerve in the neural control of LUT
Sphincter/urethral contraction
Inhibits detrusor contraction
What are lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men > 50 likely to be due to?
Benign prostatic enlargement.
What are the storage symptoms of LUT
a. Frequency
b. Nocturia
c. Urgency
d. Urgency Incontinence
What are the voiding symptoms of LUT
- Straining.
- Hesitancy.
- Incomplete emptying.
- Poor flow/intermittent strain
- Terminal dribble
- Haematuria
- Dysuria
What might dysuria suggest?
Inflammation.
What is BPH
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
What is BPE
Benign prostatic enlargement
What is BOO
Bladder outflow obstruction (Urodynamic proven obstruction)
What is LUTS
Lower urinary tract symptoms, constellation of symptoms, neither gender nor disease specific
What is benign prostate hyperplasia
Increase in epithelial and stromal cell number and size in the transitional/peri-urethral prostate area
What are the causes of BPH
Increase in cell number
Decrease in apoptosis
Combination of both
What is another cause of BPH
Obstruction due to increase A1 adrenoceptors with leads to SM contraction and thus increase in prostate size
What are the causes of BPH
Unknown but thought to be associated with androgen
- Castration or genetic disease that inhibits androgen action or production prevents BPH
- Androgen withdrawal leads to partial involution of established BPH
Describe the epidemiology of BPH
Only affects men and the incidence increases with age
LUTS: give 3 symptoms of storage problems.
- Frequency.
- Urgency.
- Nocturia.
LUTS: give 4 symptoms of voiding problems.
- Straining.
- Hesitancy.
- Incomplete emptying.
- Poor flow.
What other symptoms are associated with LUTS
post-micturition voiding, haematuria, dysuria
Name a symptom scoring system for LUTS
International prostate symptom score (IPSS)
What investigations might you carry out in someone with suspected LUTS
- Urinary tests e.g. dipstick.
- Urinary flow: maximum flow rate and residual volume are important (Frequency volume chart)
- Symptom assessment: international prostate scoring system.
- Blood tests e.g. PSA, U+E.
- Flexible cystoscopy
What might dysuria suggest
Inflammation
What is the normal flow rate for someone under 40
21ml/s
What is the normal flow rate for someone between 40 and 60
18ml/s
What is the normal flow rate for someone >60
13ml/s
What 2 things can cause a decline in Flow rate
Obstruction within the lower urinary tract
Detrusor under activity
What are the complications of LUTS
- Bladder calculi (Stones)
- Infections (Due to stagnant urine in the residual volume in the bladder)
- Symptom progression
- Haematuria
- Acute retention
- Chronic rentention
- Interactive obstructive uropathy
Give 3 symptoms of acute urinary retention.
- PAINFUL!
- Sudden onset.
- > 500ml of urine in bladder.
How is the pain from acute urinary retention relieved
Catheterisation
Pain relief
Reassurance
Name a rare but serious cause of acute urinary retention.
Spinal cord compression.
What are the issues with chronic urine retention
Incomplete bladder emptying leads to increased risk of infections and stones
What are the aims of treatment for LUTS
Improve urinary symptoms
Improve quality of life
reduce the complications of bladder outflow obstruction
What lifestyle modifications can be made to reduce LUTS
Reduce caffeine and alcohol intakee
distraction methods
Bladder training
Describe the treatment for someone who presents with mild LUTS.
Reassurance, watch and wait.
Describe the treatment for someone who presents with moderate LUTS.
- Fluid management, avoid caffeine.
2. Bladder drill.
Give 2 pharmacological therapies used in the treatment of moderate to severe LUTS.
- Alpha-1-blockers e.g. tamulosin.
- 5-alpha-reductase-inhibitors.
(finasteride, dutasteride)
How do alpha-1-blockers work in the management of LUTS?
They cause vasodilation of the smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostate and so reduced resistance to bladder outflow.
Give 2 potential side effects of tamulosin.
2 side effects include hypotension and retrograde ejaculation.
How do 5-alpha-reductase-inhibitors work in the management of LUTS?
They inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and so reduce prostate size.
Give a surgical treatment for BPE.
Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP)
What investigations might you do in someone with acute urinary retention?
- Clinical examination: palpable bladder?
- MRI.
- Bloods.
- Neurological tests; could be a sign of spinal cord compression e.g. pain in back, loss of anal reflex, leg weakness.
Give 4 symptoms of BPH.
- Increased frequency of micturition.
- Nocturia.
- Hesitancy.
- Post-void dribbling.
What are the indications for surgical management of LUTS (RUSHES)
Retention UTI's Stones Haematuria Elevated creatinine due to BOO Symptom deterioration
What are the complications of trans-urethral resection of the prostate
Immediate = sepsis, haemorrhage Early = sepsis, haemorrhage and clot retention Late = retrograde ejaculation, ED, urethral stricture, bladder neck stenosis, urinary incontinence
What is the function of the prostate?
The prostate secretes proteolytic enzymes into the semen which break down clotting factors in the ejaculate.
What type of cancer is prostate cancer
Adenocarcinoma
Which anatomical zone of the prostate does prostate cancer commonly affect?
The peripheral zone initially but can then spread locally to the transition zone and central zone
Where can prostate cancer commonly metastasise to?
Lymph nodes and bone, brain, liver and lung
What are the causes of prostate cancer
Family history
High testosterone
Ethnicity - 2-3x higher in afro-caribbean
Genetic (HOXb13 and BRAC2)
What is the epidemiology of prostate cancer
Most common male malignancy
mean age at diagnosis at 72
By what routes does prostate cancer spread
Lymphatics -> To external iliac (Obturator) and internal iliac and presacral node
Haematogenous to bone, liver and kidneys
Direct spread to the bladder, seminal vesicle, urethra, pubic bone, rectum, sciatic nerve and iliac blood vessels, ureter
What are the symptoms of prostrate cancer
LUTS
- Nocturia, hesitancy, intermittent stream, slow stream, terminal dribbling, frequency, post micturition dribble
Metastasis = bone pain, wt loss, anaemia and loss of appetite
Majority are picked up at the asymptomatic stage
What investigations might you do in someone who you suspect has prostate cancer?
- Serum: PSA.
- Urine: PCA3 and gene fusion products.
- DRE - hard, irregular, craggy, asymmetrical with textural difference
- History of LUTS.
- Trans-rectal USS.
- Prostate biopsy.
- CT/MRI
- CT abdomen
On examination, what things might you see that indicate prostate cancer
External anal sphincter tone (detect spinal cord compression)
Overdistended bladder due to outlet obstruction
Bony tenderness
What is PSA
Semen liquefaction protease
What is the issue with the PSA test
High sensitivity but low low specificity = prostate specific but not cancer specific
Other than prostate cancer. What can cause an elevated PSA?
- Benign prostate enlargement.
- UTI.
- Prostatitis.
What is a normal level of PSA
3ng/ml - elevated suggests prostate cancer
What are the indications for prostate biopsy
Palpably suspicious DRE regardless of PSA
PSA >3.0ng/ml
Suspicious lesions on MRI
What is the grading system used in prostate cancer
Gleason grading
- higher the score the more aggressive the cancer
Describe the Gleason grading system for prostate cancer
Histological appearance - add 2 most common histological presentations on biopsy to get a score from 2-10
T1 (No palpable tumour)
T2 (Only prostate)
T3 (Out of prostate)
T4 (Tumour is fixed or invades adjacent structures)
What are the benefits of PSA test
Early diagnosis of localised disease
Early treatment of advanced disease
What are the risks of PSA test
Overdiagnosis of insignificant disease
Harm caused by investigation/treatment
What is the treatment for localised prostate cancer?
- Observation.
- Surgery - radical prostatectomy.
- Radiotherapy (external beam).
- Adjuvant hormones.
What are the complications of radical prostatectomy
Urinary incontinence and impotence
What is the treatment for metastatic prostate cancer?
Palliative treatment e.g. hormone therapy - androgen deprivation,
surgical castration,
androgen receptor antagonists
Give 2 advantages and 1 disadvantage of radical treatment for localised prostate cancer.
- Curative.
- Reduced patient anxiety.
- Can have adverse effects.
What are the forms of hormone therapy used In local or advanced/metastatic disease
Orchiectomy - remove testes
Luteinising hormone releasing hormone agonists
Antiandrogens - block testosterone
Name a Luteinising hormone releasing hormone agonists
Leuporelin or goserelin
Name an antiandrogen
Flutamide
What are the side effects of hormone therapy
Impotence Depression Hot flushes Lethargy Osteoporosis
Name some other treatments for metastatic prostate cancer
Chemotherapy Bisphosphonates Radiotherapy for bone pain TURP to relieve symptoms of bladder outflow obstruction Nephrostomies for ureteric obstruction
What is PSA?
A glycoprotein secreted by the prostate into the blood stream.
What is the role of the cortex in neuro-urology
Sensation
Voluntary initiation
What is the role of the pontine micturition centre and periaqueductal grey in euro-urology
Co-ordination
Completion of voiding
Name the spinal reflexes of micturition
Reflex bladder contraction (Sacral micturition centre)
Guarding reflex (Onuf’s nucleus)
Receptive relaxation (Sympathetic spinal reflex)
Parasympathetic (Cholinergic) S3-S5 controls what
Detrusor muscle contraction
Smooth muscle sphincter relaxation
Sympathetic (Noradrenergic) T10-L2 controls what
Smooth muscle sphincter contraction
Inhibition detrusor muscle contraction (Allows relaxation)
What do the somatic nerves control
Striated sphincter contraction/relaxation (External urethral sphincter)
Voluntary control
What happens in bladder storage
a. Sympathetic activation causes detrusor relaxation and sphincter contraction
b. Bladder fullness increases and messages to the pons and higher centres to consider voiding
c. Can be postponed until it is convenient
What happens in bladder voiding
a. PMC coordinates voiding via parasympathetic detrusor contraction and sphincter relaxation at the same time
LUTs: Storage symptoms
Frequency
Urgency
Nocturia
Incontinence
LUTS: Voiding symptoms
Slow stream Splitting or spraying Intermittency Hesitancy Straining Terminal dribble
LUTS: Post micturition
Post micturition dribble
Feeling of incomplete emptying
What parameters are measured in a bladder diary
Frequency per day Frequency per night Volume per day Volume per night Nocturnal volume/24hr Functional capacity Incontinence
How many times does a normal person urinate per day
2-8 times
How much urine does a normal 70kg male pass per day
2-2.7
>2.7L = polyuria
How much urine on average is produced per wee
500ml
Define incontinence
involuntary loss of urine
Define urgency incontinence
Associated with an urgent desire to void which is difficult to defer
Name three types of incontinence
Stress = associated with coughing/straining
Continuous = due to fistula
Mixed = combination of stress and urgency
Urgency
Social = occurs in those with dementia
Give a reason why incontinence in men is less common than it is women.
Men have a bladder neck mechanism and a strong urethral sphincter whereas women have only a weak urethral sphincter.
What are the causes of stress incontinence in females
Usually second to birth trauma
Can be neurogenic
Congenital
Describe the treatment for stress incontinence in females.
- Pelvic floor physio.
- Duloxetine - increases contraction of urethral sphincter (concerns over psychiatric SE’s).
- Surgery.
- sling
- Colposuspension
- Bulking agents
- artificial sphincter
What is the main cause of stress incontinence in men?
Neurogenic or iatrogenic (prostatectomy - ablated sphincter during prostatectomy)
Describe the treatment for stress incontinence in males.
- Artificial sphincter.
2. Sling.
What are the surgical options for stress incontinence surgery
- TVT (Tension free vaginal tape)
- TOT (Transobturator tape)
- Autologous sling procedure using the rectus sheath muscle to tighten the urethral sphincter
- Bladder elevation
- Bulking urethra in elderly who cant undergo surgery
- Artificial urinary sphincter for men and women
Define overactive bladder
Defined as urgency with frequency with or without nocturne when appearing in absence of local pathology
Describe the treatment for an overactive bladder.
- Behavioural e.g. limit caffeine and alcohol, bladder drill, frequency volume chart
- Pelvic floor physio.
- Muscarinic antagonists.
- Beta 3 agonists.
- Botox.
- Cystoplasty.
- Sacral neuromodulaion surgery
How to muscarinic antagonists help an overactive bladder
Decrease parasympathetic activity by blocking M2/3 receptors so prevents the bladder contracting
How to B3 agonists help an overactive bladder
Increase sympathetic activity at B3 receptor in the bladder which inhibits the detrusor muscle contraction enabling relaxation
What are the risks associated with botox treatment of overactive bladder
Risk of urinary retention
How does sacral neuromodulation work in the treatment of overactive bladder
percutaneous approach in which the 3rd sacral root electrode is connected to pacemaker which tells S3 nerve to relax so doesn’t contract and reduces detrusor activity
What is bladder augmentation
Cystoplasty using the stomach, colon or small bowel where the bladder gets attached to one of these which increases bladder capacity for urine
What are the obstructive causes of voiding issues
BPE
Urethral stricture
Prolapse/mass
What is the management for obstruction induced voiding issues
If BPE = alpha blockers +/- alpha 5 reductase inhibitors
or PDE5i for men with ED as it relaxes the bladder neck
I
If above fails - trans-urethral reaction of the prostate
What are the non obstructive causes of voiding problems
Detrusor underactivity - bladder loses ability to contract
What are the management approaches for non obstructive voiding issues
Long term catheterisation
Sacral neuromodulation
What is the treatment for a BPO male with no ED
- Alpha antagonist
- 5 reductase inhibitor
- TURP
What is the treatment for a BPO male with ED
- PDE5 inhibitor
- Alpha antagonist
- TURP
What is the treatment for someone with OAB
- Antimuscarinic
- B3 antagonist
- Botox
What is the treatment for a women with OAB
- Antimuscarinic
- B3 agonist
- Botox
What is the treatment for a women with stress urinary incontinence
Physiotherapy
Surgery
A conus spastic spinal cord lesion above the cauda equina leads to loss of what micturition processes
Coordination
Completion of voiding
What are the features of a conus spinal lesion
Reflex bladder contractions
Detrusor sphincter dyssynergia
Poorly sustained bladder contraction
Describe the pathophysiology of conus spinal lesions
Bladder fills and the natural reflex is for the bladder to squeeze and send a signal to the pontine micturition centre but the spinal cord lesions means the signal cant reach the PMC so the bladder becomes autonomous and squeezes on its own. This causes the guarding reflex to come into effect causing the sphincter to contract causing incomplete emptying of the bladder as the pons cant inhibit the guarding reflex - can lead to reflux which damages the kidneys
A flaccid spinal cord injury leads to damage to the sacral micturition centre - what are the effects of this
Reflex bladder contraction
Guarding reflex
Receptive relaxation
What are the features of a flaccid spinal cord injury
Areflexic bladder
Stress incontinence
Risk of poor compliance
What is the pathophysiology of flaccid spinal cord lesion
Bladder will fill until it cant fill anymore and there won’t be any contraction so the pressure will start to rise and once it cant stretch anymore = areflexic bladder
Urethral sphincter becomes denervated leading to stress incontinence
What are the aims of neurogenic bladder
Bladder safety
Continence and symptom control
Prevent autonomic dysreflexia
Describe the pathophysiology of autonomic dysreflexia
Occurs at lesions above T6
- Overstimulation of sympathetic NS below the level of the lesion in response to noxious stimuli
- Everything below the lesion will contract causing vasoconstriction = blood pressure increase
What are the signs of autonomic dysreflexia
Headache
Severe hypertension
Flushing
What is the management of autonomic dysreflexia
Need to remove the noxious stimuli - change catheter to allow bladder to drain or help them to empty their bowels
Define unsafe bladder
One that puts the kidneys at the risk of damage
What are the risk factors for unsafe bladder
Raised blood pressure Vesico-ureteric reflux Chronic infection - residual urine - Stones
What are the causes of raised bladder pressure
Prolonged detrusor contraction and loss of compliance
What is the result of raised bladder pressure
Problems with drainage of urine from the kidneys and ultimately hydronephrosis and renal failure
What are the two routes to reflex the bladder
- Harness reflexes to empty bladder into incontinence device
- Suppress reflexes converting bladder to flaccid type then empty regularly
What is the bladder management for a paraplegic
Suprapubic catheter
Conveen (Condom is connected to bag and urine drains straight in)
Suppress reflexes or poorly compliant bladder
What is convene drainage
Condom attached to bag
No indwelling catheter
What is a suprapubic catheter
inserted under anaesthetic into the bladder from the abdomen
Risk of infections and stones
What are the approaches for suppressing reflex bladder contraction
Anti-cholinergics Mirabegron Intravesical botulinum toxin Posterior rhizotomy Cystoplasty
What are some examples of flaccid and low spinal lesions
Spina bifida Sacral fracture Transverse myelitis Ischaemic injuries Cauda equina
What sort of cancer is bladder cancer
Transitional cell carcinoma
Where might a transitional cell carcinoma arise
- Bladder
- Ureter
- Renal pelvis
- Urethra
Areas lined by transitional epithelium
Describe the epidemiology of transitional cell carcinoma.
- M:F = 3:1.
- Age > 40 y/o.
- more common in industrialised areas
- Schistosomiasis endemic areas
- Incidence increases with age
Give 5 risk factors for transitional cell carcinoma.
- SMOKING.
- Occupational exposure e.g. working in rubber factories (aromatic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon’s).
- Increasing age.
- Male gender.
- Family history.
- Chronic cystitis
- Long term catheter
- Chronic HPV - immunocompromised
Give 5 symptoms of transitional cell carcinoma (Bladder carcinoma)
- PAINLESS HAEMATURIA.
- Recurrent UTIs
- Voiding problems (LUTS)
- Frequency.
- Urgency.
- Dysuria.
- Urinary tract obstruction.
- intermittent stream
- hesitancy - Flank pain, lower limb oedema, pelvic masses, weight loss and bone pain are uncommon
Give 5 investigations that you might do in someone who you suspect has transitional cell carcinoma (Bladder cancer)
- Urine microscopy/cytology
- Cystoscopy + bladder wall biopsy
- CT urogram
- Urinary tumour markers
- MRI/lymphangiography
Give 2 potential risks of flexible cystoscopy.
- UTI’s.
2. Problems passing urine.
Why would you want to image the upper urinary tract of someone with transitional cell carcinoma?
You image the UUT to confirm that there is no other TCC elsewhere in the urinary tract.
What staging system is used for TCC?
TNM staging.
Describe the TNM staging for bladder cancer
T1 (Submucosa)
T2 (Muscle - where it becomes invasive)
T3 (Outer fat)
T4 (Other organs)
Describe the treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (CIS, Ta, T1).
- Trans urethral resection of the bladder (TURBT)
2. Chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence and progression to muscle invasion.
Describe the treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer (T2, T3).
- Radical cystectomy = gold standard.
- +/- neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (Cisplatin)
- Radical radiotherapy if not fit/unwilling to undergo cystectomy.
- Intravesical chemotherapy (MMC) - inhibits DNA synthesis
- Intravesical immunotherapy (BCG) - immune stimulant that unregulates cytokines (IL-6 and 8)
Describe the treatment for T4 TCC (invasion beyond the bladder).
- Palliative chemo/radiotherapy.
2. Chronic catheterisation for pain.
Name a helminth that can cause squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder.
Schistosomiasis.
What are the two forms of renal cancer
Renal cell carcinoma
Transitional cell carcinoma
Where does renal cell carcinoma arise from
From the proximal convoluted tubular epithelium
Where does transitional cell carcinoma arise from
Renal pelvis
What are the three types of transitional cell carcinoma
Clear cell - more aggressive
Papillary
Chromophobe
How is renal cancer spread
Direct
Lymphatics
Haematogenous
Describe the epidemiology of renal cell carcinoma.
- Incidence increases in those > 60 y/o.
2. Males > females.
Give 3 risk factors for renal cell carcinoma.
- Smoking.
- Obesity.
- Hypertension.
- Regular NSAID use
- Family history
- Von hippel Lindau disease
- Environmental (Petroleum, phenacetin, cadmium
- Leather industry workers
Name an inherited renal disease that can cause renal cell carcinoma.
Von Hippel Lindau disease.
What is Von Hippel Lindau disease?
An autosomal dominant disease. There is a loss of the tumour suppressor gene VHL which is encoded for on chromosome 3. Lots of benign cysts grow, some of which may develop into cancer.
What are the 3 classic signs of renal cell carcinoma?
- Haematuria.
- Flank mass.
- Loin pain.
- Abdominal mass
- Paraneoplastic symptoms
- General = lethargy, malaise, anorexia and wt loss
Why do people with renal cell carcinoma rarely present with symptoms of the disease?
The signs of renal cell carcinoma are now rare as people with the disease are detected incidentally through imaging for something else before they show any symptoms.
Name 3 places that renal cell carcinoma might metastasise to.
- Lymph nodes.
- Lungs.
- Bones.
What investigations might you do in someone with renal cell carcinoma?
- Ultrasound.
- Bloods: FBC, U+E, LFT, Ca profile.
- Abdo CT scan with contrast.
- Bone scan for boney metastases.
- Renal biopsy
What is the staging criteria used in renal cell carcinoma
Bosniak classification
1-2 = discharge
2F = follow up
3-4 = treat
What is the treatment for localised renal cell carcinoma?
Surgical excision - partial nephrectomy.
What is the treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma?
- Palliative nephrectomy.
- Radiotherapy.
What is the most common cancer in males aged 15-44
Testicular cancer
Where does testicular cancer arise from
germ cells
What are the two types of testicular cancer
Seminoma = most common type, slow growing
Non-seminoma = yolk Choriocarcinoma/teratoma, rapid growth
Where does the testicular cancer spread locally
epididymis
spermatic cord
Scrotal wall
Leads to pelvic and inguinal metastasis
Where does testicular cancer metastasise to distally
Lungs, liver and bones
What are the risk factors for testicular cancer
Cryptorchidism Fx history Previous testicular tumour Infertility Infant hernia Testicular intraepithelial neoplasia Maternal oestrogen exposure
What are the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer
Painless testis lump - hard and craggy
Testicular or abdominal pain
Cough and dyspnoea indicative of lung metastases
Blood in ejaculate
Systemic - abdominal mass, dyspnoea, secreted hormone effects
What are the investigations for someone with testicular cancer
Tumour markers - AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) - B-hCG (Beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin) Testicular biopsy Imaging (US (Diagnosis) CT/MRI for staging
What is the staging criteria used in testicular cancer
1 = (No mets) 2= (nodes under diaphragm) 3 = (Nodes above the diaphragm 4 = (Mets in the lungs)
What is the management of testicular cancer
Orchidectomy
Chemo and radiotherapy (More effective in seminomas below diaphragm)
Widespread tumours are treated with chemo and teratomas treated with chemo
What is an epididymal cyst
Smooth extra-testicular, spherical cyst in the head of he epididymis that develops around the age of 40 and contains a clear and milky spermatocele fluid