Urological Cancers

Uro Oncology | Bladder Cancer Surgery Treatment in Hyderabad, India

The combined term, “urological cancers,” is used while talking about the different cancers of the urinary tract as a whole. 

Urological cancers cause a hindrance in the normal functioning of both male and female urinary systems as well as the male reproductive system.

Sometimes, abnormal cell growth is seen in the organs of the urinary system and in the testicles, prostate, and penis of the male reproductive system. If an individual is suffering from any kind of such cancer, he or she may experience pain, feel a lump in their organ, have urinary tract infections, or see blood in their urine. 

Just like any other cancer, urological cancers are treated by a surgical procedure aiming to remove the tumour. These cancers can also be treated by undergoing radiation therapies. 

However, it is important to note that these cancers can be detected at an early stage, way before they pose any major threat to the individual. 

Causes of Urological Cancers

Urological cancers, including bladder, kidney, and prostate cancer, have multifactorial causes:

• Smoking: A major risk factor for bladder cancer, due to harmful chemicals in tobacco.
• Chemical Exposure: Occupational exposure to carcinogens increases the risk of bladder cancer.
• Age: Risk increases with age, particularly for kidney and prostate cancer.
• Family History: Genetic factors can elevate the risk, especially for kidney and prostate cancer.
• Gender: Prostate cancer primarily affects men, with varying hormonal influences.
• Race and Ethnicity: Higher risk in certain racial groups, e.g., African American men with prostate cancer.
• Obesity: Linked to kidney cancer and aggressive prostate cancer.
• Diet: Processed meats and inadequate fruits and vegetables may heighten the risk.
• Occupational Exposures: Toxins like asbestos increase the risk of bladder cancer.
• Chronic Infections: Chronic urinary tract infections raise the risk of bladder cancer.
• Radiation Exposure: Ionizing radiation, such as in cancer treatment, can increase kidney cancer risk.
• Medications: Certain diuretics are associated with a higher risk of bladder cancer.

Symptoms of Urological Cancers

Since there are a number of cancers that fall into the category of Urological Cancers, the signs and symptoms depend upon the kind of cancer the individual has. 

A person with kidney cancer can experience blood in their urine, continuous back pain and unexplained weight loss.

A person with bladder cancer undergoes changes in their urination habits, experiences pain or a burning sensation while urinating, or is unable to urinate completely. He or she may also spot blood in their urine.

A person with penile cancer may see changes in the skin, colour and thickness of their penis and can also feel a lump.

A person with testicular cancer sees a lump in the testicle, a growth in the size of a testicle, as well as pain and a heavy feeling in the scrotum. 

More often than not, symptoms are not seen until cancer has advanced in its stage. These types of cancers are usually detected during a physical examination, making it extremely important for people to proactively participate in getting their routine check-ups. 

Types of Urological Cancers

As we know, a number of cancers come under Urological Cancers, it is important for us to know the basics of each of them. 

• Kidney Cancer- As the term suggests, this cancer is found in the kidneys of an individual. Our kidney works mainly to filter our blood and remove waste from our body. Now, this can be hindered when there is the development of tumours inside the kidney. However, these tumours are more than likely to be detected before they spread to other organs and can easily be treated.

• Penile Cancer- This cancer is seen in the penis of males and affects the skin, foreskin and tissues of the penis. This is a rare kind of cancer that develops when there is an abnormal growth of tumours inside the penis.

• Bladder Cancer- This is a much more commonly seen type of cancer. It starts in the inner cells of bladders. Bladder cancers are highly treatable as it is usually detected in the earlier stages. Even though a person might have undergone successful treatment, there is a possibility that cancer can come back, making it important to go through follow-up tests.

• Testicular Cancer- This is the most common type of cancer seen in men. Testicular cancer negatively affects the tissues of the testicle. Even though this cancer can affect both the testicles, it is usually just seen in one. 

• Pelvic Cancer-  Pelvic cancers include a spectrum of cancers that can be seen in the pelvic organs and can affect both male and female individuals. If left untreated, it may lead to severe difficulties and even prove to be fatal. 

Risk Factors

The mentioned cancers can have the following risk factors :

Kidney Cancer:

• Old age

• Smoking

• High blood pressure 

• Obesity

• People with genetically inherited syndromes have an increased risk of developing kidney cancer

• Long term dialysis

• Gender- men are more likely to develop kidney cancer as compared to women

Penile Cancer:

• Use of tobacco

• AIDS

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection – a virus that is passed by skin to skin contact that is extremely common among sexually active individuals.

• Not being circumcised

Bladder Cancer:

• Being exposed to chemicals

• Chronic Bladder Inflammation

• Genetics

• Some medications

Testicular Cancer:

• Family history

• Cryptorchidism (undescended testicle) – a condition where sometimes either one or both the testicles do not descend into the scrotum from the abdomen, as they should.

• Abnormal development of testicles

How Are These Cancers Diagnosed?

A person, if suspected to have any type of urologic cancer, may have to go through some of the tests mentioned below:

• Biopsy- It is a medical process in which a piece of tissue is taken from the patient’s body for further analysis.

• MRI, X-rays, Ultrasound or CT scans are common methods of checking for any sort of growth in the body.

• Cystoscopy or Ureteroscopy

However, proper diagnosis of urological cancers depends on the type of cancer a person may have. 

Bladder Cancer:

• Physical examination and biopsy of the bladder
• Cystoscopy
• Imaging tests
• Lab tests such as urine cytology and urine culture.

Prostate Cancer:

• Ultrasound and biopsy of the prostate
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
• Bone scan

Kidney Cancer:

• Blood tests
• Urine Tests
• Biopsy of kidney tissue
• Imaging Tests

Penile Cancer: 

• Physical examination of the penis
• Biopsy – including excisional biopsy, CT-guided fine needle biopsy and lymph node biopsy)

Testicular Cancer:

• Ultrasound of scrotum and testicles
• Blood tests

Treatments Offered By CARE Hospitals

Bladder Cancer Surgery:

In this surgery, bladders are usually entirely removed from the body of the patient.

There are two types of bladder cancer surgeries: 

1. Transurethral Resection, in which an instrument passes through the urethra to remove abnormal tissues and tumours.
2. Cystectomy, in which parts of the bladder or the entire bladder is removed.

Our well-trained doctors make it their priority to ensure the patient does not have to go through any side effects that may be the result of the bladder cancer surgery

Radical Prostatectomy:

In this surgery, the prostate gland and the surrounding tissues are removed, including the seminal vesicles and lymph nodes.

CARE Hospitals have ensured that our patients are treated only by doctors that have years of experience under their belt to avoid any complications of the surgery. 

How CARE Hospitals Can Help

CARE Hospitals offer comprehensive state-of-the-art medical and surgical care in the field of urology and Uro-Oncology, for both adults and children.

Our team of highly experienced surgeons is backed by the most advanced technology and medical equipment, such as computer navigation and imaging equipment. We aim to put all of this to good use to help our patients lead quality lives.