Do you sometimes experience a strange pain in your lower abdomen that gradually increases day by day, as well as back pain? Perhaps you have decreased urination , one leg is swollen, and the color of your skin has changed? Although these may seem normal, sometimes they can be signs of a rare but important condition. Today we are talking about one such condition – Retroperitoneal Fibrosis . Although the name may sound complicated, let's keep it simple.
What is Retroperitoneal Fibrosis?
Simply put, this is the growth of fibrous tissue behind (the word retro means 'behind') the protective membrane (peritoneum) that surrounds organs such as the intestines in our abdominal cavity. Specifically, this tissue grows around the main blood vessel in our abdomen (the abdominal aorta) and other vessels that branch off from it.
Imagine what happens when this unwanted tissue grows. That tissue can block the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from our kidneys to our bladder. This can block the flow of urine. It can also affect other organs in the abdomen. This condition is also known as Ormond's disease.
The tissue that grows in this way can be cancerous or non-cancerous. This is a very common disease. It is most common in middle-aged men. But even among them, it is very rare.
What causes this situation?
Doctors still don't know the exact cause, but some experts believe it's related to something in our immune system. That is, our own body's defense system is acting against us.
In addition, several other factors have been identified that may contribute to this condition.
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Cigarette smoking | Smoking is considered a major risk factor for this. |
| Physical injuries (Trauma) | Severe injuries to the abdomen or surrounding area. |
| Surgery | It can occur after some abdominal surgeries. |
| Certain chemicals | Exposure to substances such as asbestos. |
| Infections | Some bacterial or fungal infections. |
| Tumors/Neoplasms | As a side effect of other cancerous conditions. |
| Radiotherapy | Radiation therapy for cancer. |
| Some medications | Some old medications used for migraines. |
| Drug use | Use of illegal drugs such as cocaine. |
There is no clear evidence that this disease is passed down from generation to generation . Most of the time, it occurs randomly.
What are the symptoms of this disease?
Symptoms can vary from person to person. Also, the symptoms vary depending on how far the unwanted tissue I mentioned has spread and where it has formed.
In the early days, you may feel a sharp, dull pain in your lower abdomen. This pain may increase day by day. You may also notice a change in the color of your feet or swelling in one leg as the blood supply to your legs decreases.
The most important thing is to pay attention to these symptoms as soon as you notice them. If you also have lower abdominal or back pain, especially if your urine output has decreased significantly, see your doctor immediately.
| Other symptoms associated with Retroperitoneal Fibrosis | |
|---|---|
| – Nausea and vomiting | – Fever |
| – Pain in the testicles (for men) | – Thirst more than usual |
| – A feeling of lifelessness in the body | – Back pain |
| – Weight loss | – Difficulty urinating (inability, bleeding, frequent urination at night) |
How does a doctor find this?
When you go to the doctor, he will first ask about your medical history and perform a physical examination. He will need to run several tests to determine whether the cause of your symptoms is Retroperitoneal Fibrosis or another condition.
The following are the tests that can be used for this:
- Blood tests : Find out about infections in the body and kidney function.
- Urine tests : Check for blood or other abnormalities in the urine.
- Ultrasound of the kidneys: Check the condition of the kidneys and ureters.
- CT scan of the abdomen: This can clearly see the location, size, and impact of the extra tissue on surrounding organs.
- MRI scan of the abdomen: A test similar to a CT scan, but with more detailed images.
- X-ray tests: May be necessary in some cases.
- Biopsy: This involves taking a very small piece of the growing tissue and examining it under a microscope to see if it is cancerous or not.
How is it treated? Can it be cured?
Yes, there is treatment for this disease. The treatment method depends on the cause of the disease, the severity of the disease, and the damage that has already been done.
There are several main treatment methods:
- Anti-inflammatory medications: High doses of medications such as corticosteroids are given to control inflammation and tissue growth in the body.
- Treating the underlying cause: If the condition is caused by an infection or cancer, the underlying cause is treated.
- Surgery: Surgical removal of the growth. This is especially necessary if the urethra is blocked.
- Removing urine from the kidneys: If the ureters are completely blocked, a small tube (stent) is inserted through the skin to remove urine that collects in the kidneys.
- Immune-suppressing medications: If this is caused by an overactive immune system, medications are given to control it.
The good news is that most people respond well to treatment. Within two weeks of starting treatment, signs of kidney recovery begin to appear. This condition rarely progresses to complete kidney failure.
But remember, even after treatment and recovery, it is essential to regularly see a doctor for follow-up. This is because for some people, the disease can recur even years after treatment.
People with non-cancerous (benign) Retroperitoneal Fibrosis have a better chance of recovery and survival than those with the cancerous (malignant) condition.
Is there a way to prevent this?
Since this is a rare disease, there are limited things that can be done to prevent it. But there is one important thing. Research has found that long-term use of the drug `methysergide`, which is used for migraines, can cause this disease. Therefore, never use the drug for a long time without the advice of a doctor.
The most important thing is to seek medical advice as soon as symptoms appear. The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the better the chances of preventing complications and successful treatment.
Take-Home Message
- Retroperitoneal Fibrosis is a rare condition in which unwanted fibrous tissue grows behind the abdominal organs.
- The main symptoms may include unexplained back and lower abdominal pain, decreased urination, and swelling of the legs.
- If you have any of these symptoms, don't ignore them and see your doctor immediately. Early diagnosis is very important.
- Treatment can often cure the disease, but regular follow-up is essential as the disease can recur.
- Avoid long-term use of any medication without medical advice.
Retroperitoneal Fibrosis, Ormond's disease, Back pain, Stomach pain, Urinary tract diseases, Kidney diseases, Men's health
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