Uro Oncology

Uro Oncology is a term used to refer to the cancerous growth in males and females. These are usually diagnosed in the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, kidneys, penis, testicles and prostate. It is usually noticed that these cancerous growths are common in the prostate, bladder and kidneys. The treatment for uro oncology is performed by our experts at CARE Hospitals, who specialize in treating the cancers of the male and female urinary tracts and the male reproductive organs. The growth of these cancerous cells can be a result of environmental, lifestyle, genetic and other factors. 

In the case of females, the most common cancer growth is found in the kidney and bladder, although the prevalence of these cancers is not as prominent as found in the male counterpart.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF UROLOGIC CANCERS

• BLADDER CANCER

The growth of the cancer cells in this type of cancer is found in the region concerning the bladder, which is a hollow muscular organ found in the lower abdomen and performs the function of storing the urine. 

The growth of bladder cancer is usually found in the urothelial cells that are linked to the inside of the bladder. 

SYMPTOMS

The common symptoms that might point to the growth of bladder cancer are as follows;

• Hematuria, (blood in the urine), as a result of which one might notice the urine to appear bright red. But there are also cases where the urine might appear normal, but cancer might be detected during the lab tests. 

• Frequent urge to urine.

• Pain felt while urinating.

• Back pain.

CAUSES

Smoking cigarettes can increase the risk of bladder cancer because the harmful accumulation of chemicals in the urine increases. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic and chemicals found in dyes, rubber, leathers, paint etc can also add to the risk of contracting bladder cancer. Apart from this, personal and family history can also increase the risk of bladder cancer. 

2. KIDNEY/RENAL CANCER 

     Renal cancer is the most common form of cancer found in adults. 

SYMPTOMS

One might not encounter any specific sign or symptom in the early stage of kidney cancer. But in certain cases, these signs might imply the growth of the cancer cells; 

• Blood in the urine

• Loss in appetite

• Tiredness

• Sudden weight loss

• Back pain.

CAUSES

The common victims of kidney cancer are older citizens. People who smoke have a high risk of contracting kidney cancer. People suffering from obesity and high blood pressure also run the risk of getting kidney cancer. Apart from this, family history can also be the major cause for the transmission of this cancer genetically. 

3. PROSTATE CANCER

 This type of cancer is specifically found in males. The prostate refers to the walnut-shaped gland that helps in the production of seminal fluid which helps in the nourishment and transportation of the sperms. 

This cancer is known to be the most common among men and is generally confined to the prostate gland. While at times it may appear harmless, there are situations where the growth of these cancerous cells can spread at an alarming rate. 

SYMPTOM

In the early stages, prostate cancer might not show any sign, but in the advanced stages, these common signs are detectable;

• Trouble in urinating

• Sudden loss in weight

• Blood in urine

• Blood in the semen

• Bone pain

• Erectile dysfunction. 

CAUSES

Older people run a higher risk of contracting prostate cancer. It is also observed that race plays a dominant role in the development of this cancer. It is usually observed that prostate cancer is more aggressive and advanced in black people. Apart from this, family history also plays a major part in the genetic transmission of this type of cancer. Obesity is also observed to be a common factor among people with prostate cancer. 

4. TESTICULAR CANCER 

This cancer is found in the testicles located inside the scrotum. The testicles perform the function of producing the male hormones and sperm. In comparison to the other urologic cancers, testicular cancer is a very rare kind. This is highly treatable even in the most extreme cases. 

SYMPTOMS

• Back pain

• Pain in the abdomen or the groin

• Pain in testicle/ scrotum

• Enlargement of breasts

• A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum

• Heavy feeling in the scrotum.

CAUSES

Testicular cancer is most commonly found among white men in comparison with black men. It usually affects teens and young men in the age group of  15 and 35. Family history also plays a  very dominant role in the genetic transmission of this type of cancer. Certain abnormal testicular development, such as those found in the Klinefelter syndrome can also add to the risk of contracting testicular cancer. 

5. PENILE CANCER 

This is a very form of cancer and is usually easily treatable if found in its early stages

SYMPTOMS

• Swelling of the penis

• A reddish rash found on the penis

• Lump on the penis

• An area of the skin getting thicker 

• Smelly discharge under the foreskin

• An ulcer

CAUSES 

Penile tumours are caused when the body fluids get trapped in the foreskin. This can have cancer-causing effects on the individual. Older men and smokers have a high risk of contracting penile cancer. AIDS can also lead to the development of penile cancer. Another reason for the growth of these cancer-causing cells is the HPV ( human papillomavirus). This virus spreads through sexual contact. 

DIAGNOSIS OF UROLOGIC CANCERS 

The uro oncologists perform the following test to diagnose the growth of urologic cancers;

• Performing cystoscopy or ureteroscopy-  A specially designed tool with a light and camera is used to check the ureter, bladder or kidney for the growth of the tumour. 

• Performing lab tests to notice any changes in the blood that may give rise to cancer.

• Use of the MRI, XRAY, ULTRASOUND, CT scan or angiogram to detect the presence of any abnormal tissue found on the urinary tract.

• Performing biopsy to detect the growth of any abnormal cells.  

TREATMENT OF UROLOGIC CANCERS 

Several factors dominate the approach towards treating urologic cancers. The most common factors include the tumour’s stage and the preference of the patient. Certain procedures used for the treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.  Patients can also opt for immunotherapy, which is a method in which the immune system is boosted to fight the disease. 

In certain cases, certain parts of the bladder are removed and the surgeon creates a stoma, which is an opening in the skin that performs like a new route to drain the urine. In other cases, the removal of one or two kidneys is performed as it does not hinder the urologic function. 

In the case of prostate cancer, which is commonly found among older males, doctors usually go for a “watchful waiting” strategy, termed active surveillance. In this method, the patient is regularly monitored and given treatment only when there is progress in the growth of cancer. This method helps in preserving the quality of life. 

In the case of testicular and penile cancer, an emphasis is placed upon maintaining the function of the organs, but the treatment may cause sexual dysfunction. Once the tumour is successfully removed. An option to rebuild the organ with the help of reconstruction surgery is available. 

At CARE Hospitals, you get the care you deserve. With a highly-skilled team of doctors and state-of-the-art facilities, we strive to enhance the quality of your life.