The urinary tract is your body's way of removing urine and waste from your body, it includes your kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Urologic diseases can affect any of these organs. While there are many common urologic diseases, there are also many rare ones. On Rare Disease Day, we highlight diseases that are not as often talked about.
Primary Urachal Adenocarcinoma:
Primary urachal adenocarcinoma is a rare and aggressive bladder cancer that develops from a urachal remnant. The symptoms of primary urachal adenocarcinoma include hematuria, abdominal discomfort, a mass in the abdomen, fever, weight loss, UTI, and umbilical discharge. Primary urachal adenocarcinoma is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and has a poor prognosis.
Bladder Exstrophy Epispadias Complex:
Bladder exstrophy epispadias complex is a non-syndromic urogenital tract malformation. Bladder exstrophy epispadias complex is present at birth and occurs when the bladder forms outside of the abdominal cavity. Bladder exstrophy epispadias complex can result in challenges related to bladder growth, urinary incontinence, the appearance of external genitalia, UTI, and vesicoureteral reflux.
Idiopathic Retroperitoneal Fibrosis:
Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis is the abnormal growth of fibrous tissue in the space behind the peritoneum. Symptoms of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis include abdominal pain, back pain, swelling in the legs, decreased urine output, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis is more common in men than in women and is most often diagnosed in middle-aged adults.
Educating yourself about rare urologic diseases may not be at the top of your to-do list but on Rare Disease Day take time to learn more about other diseases that can be affecting those around you.
While these diseases may be rare, all urologic help is always available at Astera Urology. To schedule an appointment visit our website or call 973-927-5788.
published: Feb. 6, 2025, 4:20 p.m.