Thursday, September 02, 2010

Urologic Oncology

Cancer can develop in any organ of the urinary system and the male reproductive system. Just like other cancers, the earlier a urological cancer is detected, the greater the chance of treating it successfully before it spreads.

Types of Urologic Cancers

Adrenal Cancer: This cancer forms in the tissues of the adrenal glands (two glands located just above the kidneys). The adrenal glands make hormones that control heart rate, blood pressure and other important body functions. Although adrenal cancer does not always produce symptoms, patients have reported fever, abdominal mass, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen and/or weight loss. Adrenal cancer that starts in the outside layer of the adrenal gland is called adrenocortical carcinoma. Adrenal cancer that starts in the center of the adrenal gland is called malignant pheochromocytoma.

Bladder Cancer: Each year in the United States, bladder cancer is diagnosed in 38,000 men and 15,000 women. This is the fourth most common type of cancer in men and the eighth most common in women. Common symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in the urine (making the urine slightly rusty to deep red), pain during urination, frequent urination or feeling the need to urinate without results. These symptoms are not sure signs of bladder cancer. Infections, benign tumors, bladder stones, or other problems also can cause these symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor so that the doctor can diagnose and treat any problem as early as possible.

Kidney Cancer: You have two kidneys, which are fist-sized organs on either side of your backbone above your waist. The tubes inside filter and clean your blood, taking out waste products and making urine. Kidney cancer forms in the lining of tiny tubes inside your kidneys. It happens most often in people over 40. Risk factors include smoking, having certain genetic conditions and misusing pain medicines for a long time. Often, kidney cancer doesn't have early symptoms. However, see your health care provider if you notice blood in your urine, a lump in your abdomen, unexplained weight loss, pain in your side or loss of appetite. Treatment depends on your age, your overall health and how advanced the cancer is. It might include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or biologic therapy.

Penile Cancer: Cancer of the penis is a rare cancer that starts in the penis, an organ that makes up part of the male reproductive system. The exact cause is unknown. Symptoms may include genital lesions on the penis, painless sore on the penis (occasionally, the lesion may cause pain) or penis pain and bleeding from the penis (with advanced disease). A biopsy of the growth is needed to confirm if it is cancer. Treatment depends on the location of the tumor and how much it has spread, but it generally may include chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery.

Prostate Cancer: The prostate is the gland below a man's bladder that produces fluid for semen. Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages. It is rare in men younger than 40.

Levels of a substance called prostate specific antigen (PSA) is often high in men with prostate cancer. However, PSA can also be high with other prostate conditions. Since the PSA test became common, most prostate cancers are found before they cause symptoms. Symptoms of prostate cancer may include low back pain, pain with ejaculation and/or problems passing urine, such as pain, difficulty starting or stopping the stream or dribbling. Prostate cancer treatment often depends on the stage of the cancer. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or control of hormones that affect the cancer.

More information

Testicular Cancer: This disease occurs most often in men between the ages of 20 and 39, and it accounts for only one percent of all cancers in men. About 8,000 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer, and about 390 men die of this disease each year. Risk factors include having an undescended testicle, previous testicular cancer and a family history of testicular cancer. Symptoms may include a lump, swelling or enlargement in the testicle; pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum; and/or an ache in the lower abdomen, back, or groin. Diagnosis generally involves blood tests, ultrasound and biopsy. Treatment can often cure testicular cancer, but regular follow-up exams are extremely important.

Physician Profiles