Hydronephrosis: Connection to Increased Epithelial Cells? - Urology

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Hydronephrosis is a condition characterized by the swelling of a kidney due to a build-up of urine. This occurs when there is an obstruction in the urinary tract that prevents urine from draining properly from the kidney to the bladder. The presence of increased epithelial cells in your urine can be indicative of several conditions, but it is essential to understand the relationship between hydronephrosis and the presence of these cells.

In your case, the presence of a significant number of epithelial cells in the urine, alongside the diagnosis of mild hydronephrosis in the left kidney, raises some important considerations. Epithelial cells in the urine can originate from various sources, including the lining of the urinary tract, the bladder, or even the kidneys themselves. An increase in these cells can occur due to irritation or inflammation of the urinary tract, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, stones, or obstructions.

While hydronephrosis itself does not directly cause an increase in epithelial cells, the underlying conditions that lead to hydronephrosis might. For instance, if there is an obstruction due to a stone or a mass, it can cause irritation and inflammation, resulting in the shedding of more epithelial cells into the urine. Additionally, if there is any infection associated with the obstruction, this can also lead to an increase in epithelial cells.

The fact that your X-ray and ultrasound did not reveal any stones is significant. However, it is still possible that there could be a small stone that is not visible on these imaging studies, or there could be other causes of the obstruction, such as a stricture (narrowing) in the ureter or a mass. The CT scan that your doctor has arranged is likely intended to provide a more detailed view of the urinary tract and to rule out any obstructive lesions, including stones or tumors.

Regarding your question about whether to consider gynecological issues if urological problems are ruled out, it is indeed prudent to consider all possible causes of your symptoms. In women, certain gynecological conditions, such as ovarian cysts or masses, can sometimes exert pressure on the urinary tract, leading to hydronephrosis. If the urological evaluation does not yield a clear cause for your symptoms, a gynecological assessment may be warranted to rule out any related issues.

In summary, while hydronephrosis and increased epithelial cells in the urine may be related through underlying causes such as obstruction or inflammation, they do not have a direct causal relationship. The planned CT scan is an important step in identifying the cause of your hydronephrosis and determining the appropriate course of action. It is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss the results of the imaging studies and any further evaluations that may be necessary.