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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Hydronephrosis

Unknown
3
Symptoms
1
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Kidney Cancer

Unknown
4
Symptoms
1
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Hydronephrosis
Hydronephrosis is swelling of a kidney caused by urine building up because its normal drainage is blocked or impaired. It may affect one or both kidneys and can result from conditions such as kidney stones, narrowing of the urinary tract, an enlarged prostate, tumors, or urinary reflux. The condition may cause pain, urinary symptoms, infection, or reduced kidney function when severe or prolonged.
Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer is a cancer that begins in the kidneys, usually in the cells lining the small tubes that filter blood and produce urine. Early kidney cancer may cause no symptoms. As it grows, it can cause blood in the urine, persistent pain in the side or back, a lump, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or other changes in health.

Symptoms

Shared
Cloudy Urine Urinary Retention
Only in Left Disease
Urinary Incontinence
Only in Right Disease
Persistent Hoarseness Weight Loss

Causes

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Hormonal Imbalance
Only in Right Disease
Smoking

Diagnosis

Hydronephrosis
Diagnosis of hydronephrosis usually involves a medical history, physical examination, and imaging to identify kidney swelling and determine its cause. Ultrasound is commonly used to visualize the kidneys and urinary tract. CT or other imaging may be needed to identify stones, tumors, or obstruction. Blood and urine tests can help assess kidney function and identify infection or other urinary abnormalities.
Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer is evaluated using the medical history, physical examination, and tests such as blood and urine studies and imaging. Ultrasound, CT, or MRI can help identify a kidney mass and assess its location and extent. A biopsy may be performed in selected cases when tissue confirmation is needed. Additional imaging may be used to look for spread.

Prevention

Hydronephrosis
Hydronephrosis itself is not always preventable because it can result from structural or medical conditions that cannot be avoided. Prompt evaluation of urinary symptoms, kidney stones, recurrent urinary infections, or difficulty passing urine may help identify obstruction early. Appropriate treatment of conditions that interfere with urinary flow can help protect kidney function.
Kidney Cancer
There is no guaranteed way to prevent kidney cancer because some risk factors cannot be changed. Avoiding tobacco use is an important preventive measure. Maintaining a healthy body weight, managing blood pressure, and following appropriate medical care for kidney disease may also reduce risk. People with a strong family history or inherited risk may benefit from medical assessment and appropriate surveillance.

Risk Factors

Hydronephrosis
Risk depends on the cause of urinary obstruction. Kidney stones, urinary tract abnormalities, enlarged prostate, tumors, blood clots, urinary tract infections, and conditions that cause urine to flow backward toward the kidneys can increase risk. Hydronephrosis may also occur during pregnancy or in infants with developmental abnormalities of the urinary tract.
Kidney Cancer
Risk factors for kidney cancer include smoking, excess body weight, high blood pressure, long-term dialysis, a family history of kidney cancer, and certain inherited disorders such as von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Risk generally increases with age. Some long-term medication exposures and certain kidney conditions may also increase risk.

Treatment

Hydronephrosis
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Kidney Cancer
Treatment comparison will be available soon.