Adrenal adenomas
The adrenal glands are situated over the top of each kidney. Adrenal adenomas are benign (non-cancerous) tumours of the adrenal gland. They arise from the outer layer of the gland, called the adrenal cortex. The adrenal cortex normally makes ... [... more]
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Hypoadrenalism (underactivity of the adrenal glands)
The adrenal glands are two small but very important glands, situated one above each kidney, which produce a range of hormones, or 'chemical messengers'. Underactivity of the adrenal glands is called hypoadrenalism. Many of the symptoms of ... [... more]
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Primary biliary cirrhosis
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a slowly progressive form of liver inflammation. It is so called because the liver disease starts around small bile ducts (ie it is biliary) rather than being caused by obstruction of these ducts by ... [... more]
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Bladder stones
It is not unusual for tiny crystals to form in the urine of healthy people, as many of the substances eliminated by the kidneys are only just soluble in water. A change in the acidity of urine, for example, can change the chemical environment of ... [... more]
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Cushing's syndrome
Cushing's syndrome describes a cluster of symptoms caused by the effect of excessive steroid hormones, known as glucocorticoids, upon the body. The production of glucocorticoids, in the form of the hormone cortisol, is a normal function of the ... [... more]
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Jaundice
Jaundice means the yellow appearance of the skin and whites of the eyes that occurs when the blood contains an excess of the pigment called bilirubin. Bilirubin is a natural product arising from the normal breakdown of red blood cells in the body ... [... more]
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Kidney failure (renal failure with uraemia, or azotaemia)
The function of the kidneys is, among other things, to get rid of the waste products that result from the body's metabolism. Dr Chris Dudley, consultant renal physician and Dr Dan Rutherford, GP One of the major by-products of the metabolism of ... [... more]
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Kidney stones
Kidney stones vary greatly in size. Some are as small as a grain of sand whereas others are so big they fill the entire renal pelvis. They are not always painful and are sometimes discovered completely by accident after an X-ray or ultrasound ... [... more]
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Nocturia (night-time urination)
Nocturia - having to get up during the night to go to the toilet - is more likely to occur as people get older. The problem is extremely common among older men because it can be caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia). The ... [... more]
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Wilson's disease
Wilson's disease is caused by a build up of excess copper in the body. A small amount of copper is needed in the diet for health to repair cells. But excess copper is toxic and can damage the organs. Wilson's disease is also sometimes called ... [... more]
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Biopsy
A biopsy is the removal of a sample of tissue from the body for examination. The tissue will be examined under a microscope to assist in diagnosis. Therefore, only very small samples are needed. Dr John Pillinger, GP and Dr Philip Owen, ... [... more]
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Rigid cystoscope
A cystoscopy is a telescopic inspection of the bladder and the urethra, which is the passageway that takes the urine to the outside. It is performed either as an aid to diagnosis of lower urinary tract symptoms; or as part of a treatment plan ... [... more]
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