The second week of June is Men’s Health Awareness week, leading right into father’s day!

For all our male readers – and for the women who have special men in their lives – click here for more information that men should be aware about, not just during men’s health week but every day!

But since we are Patient Worthy and we give attention to rare diseases, let’s dig into some rare diseases affecting men that don’t get discussed very often.

1. Bladder Stones

Kidney stones get a lot more attention, but bladder stones are hard masses of minerals in the bladder which develop when minerals in concentrated urine crystallize.

Though bladder stones often don’t cause symptoms, having them sometimes causes lower abdominal pain, frequent and painful urination, bloody or cloudy urine, and even pain in the penis.

Medical professionals may recommend drinking a lot of water to help small stones pass naturally – however, because bladder stones are often caused by the inability to empty the bladder completely, this may not be enough to make it pass. Most cases require removal of bladder stones.

To read more about bladder stones, click here!

2. Male Breast Cancer

While less than one percent of breast cancer cases are in men, men can develop the disease. Male breast cancer is most common in older men, though it can occur at any age.

As with women, a diagnosis can be done with a mammogram or sonogram. Men diagnosed at an early stage have a good chance for a cure. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the breast tissue, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

To read more about male breast cancer, click here.

There are two main kinds of testicular tumors: seminomas and non-seminomas. Seminomas appear more often in older men. Non-seminomas tend to develop earlier in life. They also grow and spread quicker than seminomas do.

Testicular cancer is highly treatable, even when cancer has spread beyond the testicle. Depending on the type and stage of testicular cancer, one may receive one of several treatments, or a combination.

To read more about testicular cancer, click here.

4. Buerger’s disease

Buerger’s disease is a rare disease of the arteries and veins in the arms and legs, where the blood vessels become inflamed, swell and can become blocked with blood clots. This can lead to the damaging or destruction of skin tissues and may lead to infection and gangrene. Buerger’s usually first shows in the hands and feet.

Nearly everyone diagnosed with Buerger’s disease smokes cigarettes or uses other forms of tobacco. Quitting all forms of tobacco is the only way to stop Buerger’s disease. Buerger’s disease is far more common in males than in females.

To read more about Buerger’s, click here.

And in general gentleman – pay attention to your health! Men on average have a lower life expectancy than women and have a greater chance of developing health complications.

Do yourself – and the ones you love and love you back – a favor and pay attention to your health!

What are your thoughts on Men’s Health Awareness week? Share your stories, thoughts, and hopes with the Patient Worthy community!