Urolithiasis is the process of stone formation in the kidneys, bladder, and/or urinary tract.1 1,200 to 1,400 out of 100,000 people will develop a urinary stone each year. Urinary stones form when there is a decrease in urine volume or there is an excess of stone-forming substances. The use of diagnostic imaging plays a fundamental role in the diagnostic and therapeutic processes of a urinary tract stone. This article will discuss the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of urolithiasis. The urinary tract consists of two kidneys, the ureters, the urethra and the urinary bladder. The urinary system works to remove waste from the body, maintain homeostasis of water, blood pressure, and regulate the body's pH levels. The kidneys regulate several important internal conditions by excreting substances in the body. After urine is produced in the kidneys, it is transported to the bladder through the ureters. The urinary bladder then holds urine until the body is ready for excretion through the urethra. Stone-forming substances are calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, and the amino acid cystine.1 Calcium oxalate stones often occur in patients with excessive amounts of calcium or oxalate that are not excreted from the body. Calcium phosphate stones are usually linked to hyperparathyroidism. Uric acid stones often occur in patients who have a history of gout, high-protein diet, and minimal hydration. Cystine stones occur in patients with an inherited disease that causes the kidneys to excrete too many amino acids. Stones form in the urinary tract when the urine contains more stone-forming substances than the fluid in the urine which would otherwise dilute these substances. Without a ca set...... half the paper...... treats and prevents future stone formation. Between 1,200 and 1,400 people out of 100,000 will develop a urinary stone each year.6 Stones may not have a specific cause, but several factors that increase the risks of stone formation. Dehydration and diets high in protein, sugar or salt can increase the likelihood of stone formation. A patient will often have sharp pains and cramps in the back and sides of the stone area inside the abdomen. Blood and urine tests along with imaging tests will diagnose stones within the urinary tract. Treatment for urinary stones will depend on the size of the stone and its cause. Once a stone has formed in the urinary tract, the patient has a 50% chance that another stone will form within 5 years if no preventative measures are taken.6 Prevention of urolithiasis is achieved with a combination of changes in the lifestyle and medications.