Identifying Red Flags: When to Consult a Specialist
In most cases, urological symptoms are associated with non-cancerous conditions. However, they should not
be ignored when they are persistent and do not go away with medication.
Urinary Changes
Urinary pain, blood or other discharge, frequent urination, problems starting or stopping urine flow, or
a weak stream may suggest infection, enlargement, or bladder or prostate cancer.
Functional Concerns
Male infertility and erectile dysfunction might be caused by hormones, vascular disorders, or lifestyle.
They may also be linked to prostate or testicular diseases.
Physical Indicators
Swelling in the testis or penis, a painless scrotum lump, unexplained weight loss, or stomach fullness
are a few symptoms that need immediate medical attention, especially if they are persistent.
Paying attention to these symptoms and seeking timely care are necessary for better treatment outcomes.
Evaluation: Physical Exam and Medical History Assessment
The evaluation begins with a complete review of the physical and medical history. Doctors evaluate
symptoms, duration, family history, infections, and lifestyle.
Additional tests are recommended if the physical examination and medical history assessments suggest
the possibility of cancer.
Visualization: Cystoscopy/Ureteroscopy
Procedures like cystoscopy and ureteroscopy involve inserting a thin, flexible probe through the
urethra to examine the bladder, urinary tract, ureter, and kidneys. These methods are minimally
invasive and help look for signs of cancers that may not be visible on other tests.
Testing: Blood Tests, Imaging, and Biopsy
Laboratory tests may include blood, urine, or tumor marker tests, depending on the condition. Imaging
tests like ultrasonography, CT, MRI, and PET scans provide anatomical and functional data. These
scans help determine the extent of the disease's spread and the locations to which the disease has
spread.
A biopsy is done to confirm the cancer diagnosis. A biopsy collects a tiny tissue sample for
microscopic examination.
Accurate staging eliminates overtreatment and guarantees comprehensive care by personalizing
treatment decisions.
Surgical Excellence: Robotic & Organ-Sparing Procedures
Surgery is often considered the first line of treatment for urological cancers, especially if the disease
is in the early stage. The surgery performed in such cases is referred to as a wide local excision.
However, doctors may also recommend other treatment approaches like radiation therapy and systemic
therapies, depending on the individual case parameters.
At HCG Bangalore, our doctors use modern approaches, namely minimally invasive surgery, which includes
robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery, along with personalized radiotherapy through technologies like
CyberKnife, Ethos adaptive radiotherapy, Halcyon radiotherapy, and advanced hormone and targeted
therapies for comprehensive management of urological cancers
In some cases, doctors may also consider reconstructive surgery to restore the structure and function of
the organ.
Prostate and Bladder Cancers
Prostate cancer treatment often involves robotic-assisted prostatectomy (removal of the prostate). When
oncologically safe, the surgical robot helps surgeons remove the prostate carefully without damaging
urinary control and sexual functions
Bladder cancer treatments may involve tumor removal through the bladder lining or cystectomy (removal of
the bladder) in advanced cases. When appropriate, organ-sparing methods are considered.
Urethral cancers are treated with urethrectomy (removal of the urethra).
Adrenal and Kidney Cancers
At HCG Bangalore, kidney cancers are treated with partial or complete nephrectomy (removal of the
kidney), depending on the size and location of the tumor. When possible, partial nephrectomy preserves
kidney function.
Treatment for adrenal cancer or tumors is adrenalectomy (removal of the adrenal glands). In early stages,
adrenal cancers can be treated with less intrusive treatments, which may reduce hospital stays and
healing periods.
Testicular and Penile Cancers
For testicular cancers, doctors may recommend orchiectomy (removal of the affected testicle), which may
be followed by other treatments, depending on other stages.
Likewise, penile cancers may require penectomy or extensive local excision for them to be managed
effectively.
Comprehensive Clearance
In some cases, lymph node excision is needed to monitor or control disease development. Proper surgery
planning helps reduce complications and improve recovery.
To achieve better cancer clearance, doctors may recommend multimodal treatment plans, wherein surgery is
combined with other treatments, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and
targeted therapy.
At HCG Cancer Hospital in Bangalore, all treatment decisions are made by a multidisciplinary care team
for better health outcomes.
