Arthritis is one of the most common diseases in the world. It affects nearly every person and causes stiffness and joint pain. Many times the pain can be so severe that it prevents you from doing your daily activities. If left untreated, arthritis may lead to serious health problems and death. There are a number of ways Arthritis may lead to cancer.
Prostate Cancer: There have been very few studies about prostate cancer. This is mainly because prostate cancers are usually discovered later in life, after other conditions have been treated. However, certain strains of the human papillomavirus are associated with increased risks of developing this type of cancer.
Kidney Cancer: This type of cancer often develops among people who already have kidney problems. The risk increases with age, but there is no surefire way to tell if you have it. Symptoms may include urinary frequency and pain. In some cases, stones may develop in the kidneys or they may actually block the kidney duct. Symptoms of this type of cancer may include blood in the urine, fever, and chills.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is another major classification of Arthritis. It is usually caused by repeated inflammation and damage to the immune system of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is usually diagnosed by symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, and swelling. However, some people may not have symptoms at all. Diagnosis is usually made through blood tests and through a physical examination. Blood tests will test for antibody levels against the disease.
Lymphoma: This is a type of cancer that has been found to exist specifically in patients who have had early-stage AIDS. As with any other type of Arthritis, having an abnormal count of lymphocytes (white blood cells) can indicate that you may have Lymphoma. Lymphoma is not as common in developed countries, as breast cancer is. However, it can still occur in individuals who live in those environments and it does affect men more often than women.
Arthritis is a painful disorder that affects many people’s quality of life. Living with Arthritis is difficult enough without worrying about its potential effects on your body. There are several forms of Arthritis, so you may have symptoms that aren’t included here. It is important to talk with your doctor about your concerns about Arthritis and whether or not it may lead to cancer or other life-threatening diseases. While it’s true that there is no cure for Arthritis, with proper treatment it can be managed so that the majority of those who have it can still lead a normal life and enjoy a healthy lifespan.
