Urology and Cancers in Plain Language

Bladder cancer is not a single disease. It comes in several types, depending on which cells inside the bladder wall turn cancerous. Knowing the type of bladder cancer is important because it helps doctors decide on the best treatment and gives patients a better understanding of what to expect. The most common type is urothelial carcinoma , also called transitional cell carcinoma. It begins in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder. These cells stretch when the bladder is full and shrink when it is empty, which makes them more exposed to harmful substances in urine. Because of this, urothelial carcinoma accounts for almost 90 percent of all bladder cancers. This type can also occur in the lining of the ureters and kidneys. The next type is squamous cell carcinoma . This cancer develops when the bladder lining becomes irritated for a long time, often due to repeated infections, long-term catheter use, or chronic inflammation. The cells gradually change and become flat a...

Bladder cancer is a disease that begins when cells in the bladder grow abnormally and form a mass called a tumor. The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine before it leaves the body. When the lining of the bladder, known as the urothelium, changes and grows uncontrollably, cancer can develop. Over time, if not detected early, the tumor can invade deeper layers of the bladder wall or spread to other parts of the body. Most cases of bladder cancer start in the inner lining and are called urothelial carcinomas or transitional cell carcinomas. Less common types include squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, which usually occur after long-term irritation or infection. This cancer is more common in older adults and occurs more often in men than in women. The exact cause is not always known, but several factors increase the risk. Smoking is the leading cause, as harmful chemicals from tobacco are filtered by the kidneys and collect in the bladder, damaging its ...

Start exploring below. Kidney cancer can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to find clear, reliable information. This page brings together easy-to-understand answers to common questions about kidney cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery—all explained in plain language.  Whether you have been recently diagnosed, are caring for someone with kidney cancer, or simply want to learn more, these articles will help you understand what is happening, one question at a time.  New posts are added regularly and written without medical jargon. To explore further, click on any of the titles below to read the full article. Introduction and Basics What is Kidney Cancer? Is Kidney Cancer the Same as Renal Cell Carcinoma? How Common Is Kidney Cancer? What Are the Types of Kidney Cancer? What Is Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma? What Is Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma? What Is Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma? What Is Wilms Tumor? Causes and Risk Factors What Causes Kid...

Start exploring below. Your kidneys do much more than make urine. They filter your blood, balance your fluids, control blood pressure, and support bone and red blood cell health. But how exactly do they do all this? This page is your one-stop resource for understanding how the kidneys work—one question at a time. Whether you are curious about how much urine is normal, what kidneys remove from the blood, or what happens with only one kidney, you will find simple, science-backed answers here. Each topic below links to a short article that explains one key question in plain language. These articles are designed for anyone to understand—no medical background needed. As new articles are published, they will be added to the list below. Bookmark this page and check back often for the latest updates. What do the kidneys do in the human body? How do the kidneys filter blood? Where are the kidneys located in the body? Can you live a normal life with one kidney? How much urine do healthy kidneys ...

Start exploring below. This page is your one-stop resource for understanding everything about the urinary bladder. The urinary bladder acts as a temporary storage tank for urine and plays a vital role in bladder health and urinary function. Each article answers a common question in simple, easy-to-understand language, covering topics such as how the bladder works, where it is located, how much urine it can hold, and what causes bladder problems. Each topic below links to a short article that explains one key question in plain language, free of medical jargon. These bladder health articles are written for everyone—no medical background required. To learn more, simply click on any of the titles below. New bladder-related articles are added regularly. As new topics are published, they will appear in the list below. Bookmark this page and check back often for the latest updates on bladder function and urinary health. What is the Urinary Bladder? Where Is the Bladder Located in the Body? Wh...

As people age, it is common to notice changes in bladder habits. These changes happen gradually and are often part of the natural ageing process. While not everyone experiences the same symptoms, understanding how ageing affects bladder function can help reduce worry and guide healthy habits. One of the main changes with ageing is that the bladder muscle may become less elastic. This means it may not stretch as easily, so the bladder may feel full sooner. As a result, older adults may need to urinate more frequently, especially at night. This is known as nocturia and is one of the most common age-related bladder changes. The bladder muscles can also weaken with age, making it harder to hold urine for long periods. For some people, this can lead to urgency or urinary leakage. The muscles in the pelvic floor, which support the bladder and urethra, may also weaken, especially after childbirth, surgery, or years of reduced physical activity. Strengthening these muscles through pelvic floor...

Yes, certain exercises can help with bladder control, especially for people who experience urinary leakage, urgency, or difficulty holding urine. These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, urethra, and surrounding structures. When these muscles are strong and coordinated, they help control the release of urine more effectively. Weak pelvic floor muscles are common after childbirth, surgery, ageing, or periods of reduced physical activity, and strengthening them can make a noticeable difference. The most well-known exercises for bladder control are pelvic floor exercises, often called Kegel exercises. These involve tightening the muscles that stop the flow of urine and holding the contraction for a few seconds before relaxing. Over time, regular practice helps build strength and improves control. It is important to perform these exercises correctly. Some people unintentionally squeeze their stomach or thigh muscles instead of the pelvic floor. For be...