Urologic Cancers
Urologic Cancers
Urologic cancers are malignancies that affect the urinary system and male reproductive organs. These cancers originate in structures such as the kidneys, bladder, prostate, and testes, as well as other components of the urinary tract. Early detection and specialized care are essential for effective treatment and improved outcomes. Below is an overview of the most common types of urologic cancers.
Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer, or renal cell carcinoma, develops in the tissues of the kidneys, which filter blood and produce urine. This cancer is more common in adults over 50 and is often detected incidentally during imaging studies.
Symptoms: Blood in urine (hematuria), persistent back pain, fatigue, weight loss, and a palpable lump in the abdomen.
Treatment: Treatment options include surgery (partial or radical nephrectomy), targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and in some cases, active surveillance for small tumors.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer arises in the lining of the bladder, the organ responsible for storing urine. The most common type is urothelial carcinoma.
Symptoms: Blood in urine, frequent urination, pain during urination, and lower back pain.
Risk Factors: Smoking, chemical exposure, chronic bladder infections, and age are significant risk factors.
Treatment: Treatments may involve transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT), chemotherapy, immunotherapy (e.g., BCG therapy), radiation, or radical cystectomy in advanced cases.
Prostate Cancer (click for more info)
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, originating in the prostate gland, which produces seminal fluid. Early-stage prostate cancer may show no symptoms, making routine screenings vital.
Symptoms: Although most prostate cancers present with no symptoms some patients have difficulty urinating, weak urine stream, blood in semen, pelvic discomfort, or bone pain in advanced stages.
Screening: Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams are used for early detection.
Treatment: Treatment ranges from active surveillance for low-risk cases to surgery (prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and advanced systemic treatments for metastatic disease.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer occurs in the testicles, the male reproductive glands that produce sperm and testosterone. Testicular cancer is a serious matter. It is the most common solid tumor in men ages 18-35. It is one of the fastest growing cancers but we are highly successful in curing it if it is caught early. Please encourage the men you know in this age group to examine themselves at least monthly. To better illustrate this we will let Ryan Reynolds from Deadpool give a quick lecture on self-screening.
Treatment: Orchiectomy (removal of the affected testicle) is the primary treatment. Additional treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or advanced surgery may be needed based on cancer staging.
Penile Cancer
Penile cancer is a rare malignancy affecting the skin or tissues of the penis. It is most commonly squamous cell carcinoma.
Symptoms: Growths, sores, or lesions on the penis, abnormal discharge, or pain during urination.
Risk Factors: HPV infection, poor hygiene, smoking, and a history of phimosis.
Treatment: Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, often tailored to the cancer’s stage and location.
Ureter and Urethral Cancers
These rare cancers affect the ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder) or the urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body).
Symptoms: Blood in urine, painful urination, frequent infections, and pelvic pain.
Treatment: Surgical resection is the primary treatment, with chemotherapy or radiation therapy used for advanced cases.
Specialized Care for Urologic Cancers
At peedoc.com, we are committed to providing personalized, cutting-edge care for patients with urologic cancers. Our team of specialists offers comprehensive diagnostics, advanced treatments, and ongoing support to help you navigate every step of your journey.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule a consultation. Early intervention can make all the difference!